Office of the Superintendent of Schools
Office of Academics
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Approval To Utilize State And Industry Certifying Agencies For Students Enrolled In Career And Technical Education Programming For The 2026–2027, 2027–2028, 2028–2029, And 2029–2030 School Years
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This agenda item seeks approval from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) School Board for students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) programming to utilize state and industry certifying agencies to earn industry- and state-recognized certifications and licensures. Students enrolled in CTE programs in HISD are eligible to sit for nationally and internationally recognized end-of-program certification and licensures upon completion of required course sequence. Students who earn a nationally or internationally recognized end-of-program certification will also receive a Performance Acknowledgement upon graduation, with the designation noted on their high school transcript.
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) encourages districts to provide students with opportunities to earn certifications and licensures that add value to postsecondary education or workforce readiness. HISD’s CTE Department offers programs of study that prepare students to earn nationally and internationally recognized end-of-program certification and licensures aligned to high-growth, high-wage careers. The licensures and certifying agencies or industries that support approved CTE programs are included.
Partnership Scope of Work
Adopting the list of certifying agencies allows the CTE Department to continue fully funding industry-based certification exams for students across the district. Students engaged in CTE coursework are prepared and eligible to sit for industry-based certifications aligned to their program of study. The TEA has recently released the updated list of industry-based certifications to be used for public school accountability beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, which will apply to school ...
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