Programs of Study

Programs of Study

Programs of study are course sequences that prepare students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in their chosen career. These sequences embed relevant, real-world experiences and culminate in a postsecondary credential that will prepare students for a high-wage, high-skill, in-demand career. The courses contained within statewide and regional programs of study are determined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) per the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V).

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Information Provided by Workforce Solutions of West Texas

Perkins V is federal legislation requires districts that receive federal CTE funds to align CTE programs of study to high-wage, in-demand, and high-skill occupations. Members of the workforce, secondary education, and higher education advised on the development and recent refresh of programs of study, which include coherent course sequences, industry-based certifications, and work-based learning opportunities to ensure students are prepared for high-wage, in-demand, and high-skill careers in Texas. 

Programs of Study and Funding

CTE courses for high school credit receive additional tiered weighted funding for students in grades 7-12.

Tiered weighted funding is as follows:

• 1.1 for a CTE course that is not part of a program of study

• 1.28 for a CTE course that is part of a program of study and defined as a level 1 or level 2 course

• 1.47 for a CTE course that is part of a program of study and defined as a level 3 or level 4 course

Perkins funding may be used to support approved statewide and approved regional programs of study. Perkins funding may not be used to support courses that are not included in approved programs of study.

The CTE Look-Up Tables provide a list of CTE courses within programs of study as well as those not in a program of study. The CTE Look-Up Tables, by school year, are located here: PEIMS Calculations - Tech Tips | TSDS (texasstudentdatasystem.org).

A-F Accountability and Programs of Study

Completion of a program of study is among the indicators used for evaluating the performance of high school campuses and districts that include high school campuses.

The Student Achievement domain evaluates campus performance based on student achievement in college and career readiness. The CCMR component of the student achievement domain measures graduate preparedness for college, the workforce, or the military. Earn an Industry-Based Certification (IBC) and Complete an Aligned Program of Study. A graduate earning an approved IBC under 19 TAC §74.1003. See “Appendix J—Industry-Based Certifications” for a complete list of the currently approved IBCs. o Earning a certification means that the student has successfully completed all requirements defined by the certifying entity. Districts and charter schools should consult the certifying entities’ webpages to determine the requirements that must be met for students to earn IBCs. See Approved IBC List later in this chapter. o Students need to earn an IBC and earn Completer status in an aligned program of study for CCMR credit starting in the 2027 accountability year. See Phase-In Schedule for Sunsetting IBCs and Alignment with Programs of Study later in this chapter.