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February 2025

CTE & CCMR NEWS

A Publication of ESC Region 11 

A Note From Jacob and Stephanie

Hello, Region 11 CTE and CCMR,

As we move into the second month of the year, we are excited to celebrate CTE Month and all the incredible work happening within our region. This month provides an excellent opportunity to recognize the power of Career and Technical Education in shaping the future of our workforce, empowering students, and helping industries thrive. Whether you are a educator or not, we hope you feel inspired by all the innovative work happening in CTE across Region 11.

In honor of CTE Month, we hope you to remind you of the critical role CTE plays in equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in the workforce. From hands-on learning experiences to industry partnerships, CTE offers valuable pathways to in-demand careers. Do not forget to remind yourself of the success stories that you have made happen!

We have added a few of these highlights from your X and Facebook pages. Thank you for continuing to make incredible impacts on the lives of your students and communities!

Sincerely,

Jacob and Stephanie

Era ISD representing at Stock Show competition.

Strawn ISD Digital Animation showcasing their talents with a welcoming message.

Birdville ISD earning first place at the Universal Technical Institute Welding Technology competition.

February To-Do List:

• Celebrate CTE Month
• Continue to strategize for 2024 graduates who have not earned a CCMR measure
• Recruit, recruit, recruit for 2024-2025
• Support course selection and master scheduling for 2025-26 for 5th-12th grade
• Spend down your budgets and make sure you are on track for the year
• Make sure your 8th graders have completed their Career Inventory and PGP
• Finalize CTSO state travel based on regional/district competition results 

Helpful Information Straight from TEA!

Grow Your Own High School Education & Training Grant District Application

Started in 2018, the Texas Education Agency Grow Your Own (GYO) program continues with a grant to support high school Education & Training programming. The program’s purpose is for districts to intentionally build strong, stable, and diverse teacher pipelines from within their own communities based on district-specific teacher workforce needs. This grant focuses on the recruitment of future educators by building interest in teaching among high school students, developing their foundational knowledge and skills of teaching, attracting diverse and highly skilled teachers to lead Education & Training programs, and implementing high-quality Education & Training courses.

The grant application window opened on January 31, 2025 and closes on April 1, 2025 by 11:59 p.m. (CST). Anticipated award announcement will be made on May 8, 2025 with beginning date of grant June 1, 2025 (if selected for funding). 

Read more and find the application on the TEA Grant Opportunities website. 

Updated State Allotment FAQs

The State Allotment FAQ was updated last month. You can find the updated document here.

Estimating State Aid Are you involved in developing annual budgets or monitoring the over/under for state aid payments? This may be the tool for you.

Developed and maintained by Omar Garcia of BOK Financial Securities, Inc., Region 13 is the sole source provider of the Estimating State Aid template and have been granted permission to share it exclusively. You can download it for free at this link.

2025 Academic Accountability System Overview Now Available

The 2025 Academic Accountability System Overview document was published to the 2025 Accountability System webpage. This resource provides a condensed summary of the accountability system and is designed to assist stakeholders in understanding the system.

Assessment 2024 - 2025 Calendar

The Calendar of Events for the 2024–2025 school year, which includes test administration tasks and reporting events, is now available in the Calendar of Events section of the District and Campus Coordinator Resources. 

Student Opportunities

Free Military Family Resource Do you have students who are in a military-connected family? Tutor.com for U.S. Military Families, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) General Library Program, and Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), is a program that provides on-demand, online tutoring and homework help at no cost to eligible service members, civilian personnel, and their dependents. Tutor.com includes individualized support for 150+ subjects to preparation for the SAT/ACT and college admission essays. To learn more and sign up, visit military.tutor.com.

CTENT Scholarships 2025 CTENT Scholarship applications are now available. Multiple $1000.00 scholarships awarded yearly Due: March 14, 2024 at Midnight

JA Inspire Career Expo Register for the JA Inspire Career Expo so your students can engage with local business volunteers and participate in hands-on activities, often using actual equipment or tools their employees use on the job. At this event, students will learn what specific jobs entail and begin to imagine their futures in the context of these career opportunities. To register for this event, click here. For more information, contact Aubrey Guzman | Education Director aguzman@jafortworth.org | (817) 731.0838

DFW Construction Career Day This FREE career exploration program is designed to introduce high school youth to a variety of career opportunities in the heavy-high construction industry. This is a chance for your students to meet industry professionals one-on-one as they provide hands-on demonstrations in a “job fair-like” setting. Wednesday, March 26, 2025 Globe Life Field (734 Stadium Drive Arlington, TX 76011) 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (You are invited to register for a two-hour block, starting every 30 minutes.) **Lunch will be served at this event. **

Students can bring their resumes with them. Upon arrival, students will go through a five-minute safety tailgate talk before heading into the Exhibit Halls.

The deadline to register is 3/12/2025: https://ConstructionDaySchools2025.eventbrite.com 

Spaces are limited and on a first-come basis by registration only. Contact Kim Hunziker for any questions: Kim.Hunziker@txdot.gov

Construction Co-Ed Day Camp TRF Camp Build is a FREE day camp for current 6th-8th graders (co-ed) to give them real hands-on experience and provide them the tools to continue to build. The Co-Ed Camp is coming to McKinney, TX on Saturday, May 17. The application is now open. Hands on projects such as creating lamps, stepping stones, and doghouses to be donated to the local community. Campers who have graduated from TRF Camp Build’s weeklong program are invited to return for advanced projects and learning opportunities. Find more information and the application on their website.

Hotel Summer Camp The Texas Hotel and Lodging Association (THLA) is excited to announce the 4th annual Hotel Summer Camp, designed for high school students interested in careers in Lodging and Resort Management. This 3-day, 2-night immersive experience provides students with hands-on exposure to the dynamic world of hospitality. Students and teacher chaperones will stay at the host hotel for the duration of the camp, with registration covering lodging, meals, and all camp materials. For more information, please visit: THLA Hotel Summer Camps.

2024-2025 CTE & CCMR Leader Meetings

• February 20, 2025 (At Granbury ISD) • 9 a.m.
• February 21, 2025 (At Gainesville ISD) • 9 a.m.
• March 6, 2025 • 9 a.m.
• April 17, 2025 • 9 a.m.
• May 15, 2025 • 9 a.m.

Texas College Board Webinar Series for Spring 2025 Upcoming Webinars include: AP Seminar in Texas Using AP Classroom Reports and Data Using the SAT Suite of Assessments Scores to Support Student Growth Resources to Help Grow Your AP Program

Expert to Expert and CCMR Summit

Save the date and register for the postponed CCMR Summit and Expert to Expert: Connecting Industry Practitioners and Education Professionals Summit on June 18, 2025.

Non-Traditional CTE Newsletter The state launched a new initiative in 2024-25 to increase non-traditional enrollment in CTE. This support is made possible through ESC Region 10. We anticipate they will be offering the free Opportunity Gap Analysis Training in the early spring 2025 semester. We will share those details with you as soon as we have them. Throughout the year, ESC Region 10 is also publishing a newsletter focused on non-traditional pathways. Check it out here.

2024-2025 Advanced Academics Office Hours

The Advanced Academics team is facilitating Office Hours on the first Thursday of each month. These sessions provide updates and explore various programs, courses, assessments, services, and supports for which TEA Advanced Academics staff offer guidance. The next Office Hours will be held March 6 at 1:00 PM CST.

ESC Region 11 Resources