Needs Improvement

Purpose of Needs Improvement Status

As established by the CCRSM Blueprints, CCRSMs must implement models with fidelity and meet the required OBM criteria. The Designated – Needs Improvement status allows for CCRSMs that have not met OBM criteria to continue to operate while receiving technical assistance to improve OBMs.

To support campuses in meeting OBM standards and to promote retention in the CCRSM network, technical assistance will be provided to all Needs Improvement campuses during each year of Needs Improvement.

Needs Improvement CCRSMs must fulfill the following requirements during each year of the Needs Improvement status.

Attend a TEA-facilitated Needs Improvement webinar
Complete the Program Application Cycle (PAC)
Submit the OBM Action Plan
Participate in technical assistance coaching

Needs Improvement campuses may also appeal for a revised designation status for specific reasons.

Needs Improvement Annual Calendar

Needs Improvement Appeal Process - Optional

Campuses designated as Needs Improvement may appeal the designation status decision, (i.e. to move from the Needs Improvement status to the Designated status) for one of the specific reasons below:

Significant Data Reporting Discrepancy
Significant Data System Discrepancy
Natural Disaster
Sudden and significant demographic shift

Needs Improvement Status Appeals must be completed and submitted with a signed assurance page from the district superintendent.

Download Needs Improvement Status Appeal Assurances via the button below.
Complete Needs Improvement Status Appeal Assurances page, secure signature, and save as a PDF.
Click Needs Improvement Appeals Form button and enter requested information. Note: Needs Improvement Appeals Form must be completed and submitted in one sitting.
Upload the assurances page and submit the appeal.

The TEA will review all appeals and provide a final decision. Submission of an appeal does not guarantee a revision in designation status.

Needs Improvement Appeal Assurances Page Needs Improvement Appeals Form

Have Questions? Please View the Needs Improvement Overview Webinar in the Events Section Below

Program Application Cycle - REQUIRED

Designated P-TECH and ECHS campuses must reapply for designation every academic year. Campuses can only apply for designation renewal if they hold a designation status, including Designated Needs Improvement, in the current academic year. Please Note:

If you are a multi-model campus and operate both ECHS and P-TECH programs, you must submit an application for each model.
If you filed an appeal for a model that is Designated – Needs Improvement, you can start your application but should wait until after you receive the decision to submit.

Ready to Submit a Program Application?

If you are ready to submit your renewal application, please visit the Program Application Cycle page via the button below. If needed, you are able begin your application and then return to complete and submit it.

Program Application Cycle

OBM Action Plan - REQUIRED

Needs Improvement Campuses are required to develop and submit the OBM Action Plan during each Needs Improvement year. The OBM Action Plan will have two annual submissions:

Submission 1 | Due Date: Friday, December 4, 2026

Identify which OBM(s) the campus will target for improvement, describe anticipated challenges, and outline strategies to achieve OBM improvement.

Instructions for completing the Designated – Needs Improvement OBM Action Plan, Submission 1.

Using the “Priority OBM Indicator 1” dropdown menu, select the OBM that the program will target for improvement.
For the identified OBM, write 1-3 SMART goals related to the OBM Indicator that are Specific, Measurable, Aligned (to the OBM Indicator) and Time-bound.
For the identified OBM, write a short paragraph that describes the steps your team has taken, and any progress made on the OBM Indicator between August and December 2026.
For the identified OBM, use the chart below to plan the specific actions your team will take between December 2026, and June 2027 related to the goals and the OBM Indicator.

If a program missed several OBMs for designation purposes, the program would complete steps 1 – 4 for each OBM they will target for improvement. For example, if a program missed 1 OBM for designation, they would complete steps 1 – 4 for the 1 missed OBM. If a program missed 4 attainment OBMs, they would complete steps 1 – 4 for 3 attainment OBMs targeted for improvement.

Instructions for submitting the Designated – Needs Improvement OBM Action Plan, Submission 1.

Once a program has completed the OBM Action Plan, Submission 1, they will submit the documents by clicking [Submit OBM Action Plan 1]. Programs will receive a confirmation email upon submission. The OBM Action Plan, Submission 1 is due December 4, 2026.

ECHS OBM Action Plan Submission #1 Template P-TECH OBM Action Plan Submission #1 Template

Submit OBM Action Plan 1

Submission 2 | Due Date: Monday, May 31, 2027

Serves as an end of year NI reflection and provides progress update towards meeting SMART goals outlined in OBM Action Plan Submission 1. Programs should reference Submission 1 when completing the OBM Action Plan Submission 2 to ensure alignment across the submissions.