Benchmark 4: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Purpose of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

The P-TECH program shall provide a rigorous course of study that enables a participating student to receive a high school diploma, an associate degree, postsecondary certificate provided by an IHE, or industry certification during Grades 9 - 14.

Design Elements

All P-TECHs must implement and meet the following requirements:

1. The P-TECH shall work with the local workforce development board, local chamber of commerce, and local workforce industry representatives to identify, create and maintain a list of high-demand occupations and programs of study that lead to these occupations to be used as a resource in creating structured pathways for students and updated as local needs change
2. The P-TECH shall establish one or more career pathways, that include industry relevant classes, and plans are underway for sequencing additional courses for studen These course pathways are informed by regional and state workforce and economic development needs and contribute to students earning an associate degree, postsecondary certificate provided by an IHE, or industry certification that prepares them for high-wage, high- demand, high-skill career fields
3. The P-TECH shall provide a course of study that enables participating students the opportunity to complete high school graduation requirements, and either an associate degree, postsecondary certificate provided by an IHE, or industry certification on or before the sixth anniversary of the date of the student’s first day of high school
   1. A course of study must be in place detailing how students will progress toward the goal of aligning high school, college-level courses, and industry/business training. This course of study must provide pathways to an associate degree, postsecondary certificate provided by an IHE, or an industry certification. The campus may implement a variety of instructional delivery models
4. The P-TECH shall provide an assessment for measuring student progress to ensure students are on track to meet the Outcomes-Based Measures
5. The P-TECH shall biannually implement a structured data review process designed to identify student strengths and weaknesses and develop individual instructional support plans
   1. The P-TECH will establish annual assessment measures and provide an opportunity for the industry/business partners to provide feedback on the value of the P-TECH program
6. The P-TECH shall provide support for students taking courses preparing students to obtain industry certifications, licenses, et
7. The P-TECH shall work with IHEs and business and industry partners to ensure curriculum alignment between high school, postsecondary and industry experience requirements

Activities

1. All products shall be published on the P-TECH website and be made available to the Texas Education Agency (TEA) upon request
2. All products shall be maintained in accordance with local retention policy

Products

1. Four-year crosswalk document
2. Master Schedule
3. Curriculum alignment documents
4. Testing calendar and schedule for TSI, ACT, SAT or other assessments
5. Documentation detailing a minimum of three course of study examples that outline student pathways from high school, to associate degrees, to work credentials and beyond