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February 2026

CTE & CCMR NEWS

A Publication of ESC Region 11 

A Note From Jacob and Stephanie

Happy February, CTE Leaders!

Spring always brings a different kind of energy, and we can already see it across the region. From classrooms and labs to CTSO competitions kicking off, students are stepping up, showing their skills, and representing your programs in incredible ways. There’s nothing better than watching CTE come to life beyond the classroom.

This is also a key planning month. The 2026–2027 CLNA window opens soon, and the work you’re doing now — digging into data, reflecting on programs of study, and thinking about next steps — will set the tone for the year ahead.

Thank you for the heart, hustle, and leadership you bring to this work every day. We’re grateful to partner with you and can’t wait to celebrate the wins this spring brings.

Sincerely,

Jacob and Stephanie

February To-Do List:

• Celebrate CTE Month! Highlight programs, students, staff, and CTSO success
• Continue to strategize for 2026 graduates who have not yet earned a CCMR measure
• Support course selection and master scheduling for 2026-2027
• Begin the 2026-2027 CLNA process (window opens February 17)
• Review budgets and ensure spending remains on schedule
• Confirm 8th graders have completed their Career Inventory and Personal Graduation Plan
• Finalize spring CTSO travel
• Monitor WBL documentation and required site visits

2026-2027 Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment Guidebook Released

The 2026–2027 Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA) Guidebook has been released. The CLNA window opens February 17 and closes May 8. We will review key updates and expectations during the February 19 CTE Leader Meeting. Districts are encouraged to begin reviewing the guidebook and organizing relevant data to support timely submission.

Removal of Accountability Reports and Student Listings in TEAL

In order to facilitate the posting of 2026 accountability reports, all 2024 accountability reports and student listings for all campuses and districts will be removed from the TEA Login (TEAL) Accountability application on March 6, 2026. The accountability reports consist of accountability summaries, calculations, and data tables for each domain. Accountability student listings include data that was used to calculate the STAAR performance, College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), and English Language Proficiency components for accountability. 

Please ensure your district downloads and retains copies of these reports and data for your records. 

Preliminary 2028 A-F Accountability Rating System Framework Now Available  

The Preliminary 2028 A–F Accountability System Framework has been released on the Accountability System Development webpage, ahead of the 2027 –2028 accountability ratings year. See a few highlights from the January Texas Accountability Advisory Group (TAAG) Meeting. 

Military Readiness Indicator (ASVAB + JROTC)

TEA staff outlined House Bill 8 requirements for CCMR, adding a new military readiness indicator that requires a minimum Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) score and completion of Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC). TEA staff proposed a minimum passing Armed Forces Qualifying Test (AFQT) score of 31 for CCMR credit. The AFQT is a combination of four academic subtests from the ASVAB, and the Department of Defense leverages the AFQT to determine eligibility for enlistment. Both JROTC course completer status and AFQT scores will be submitted to the agency via PEIMS collections, and both are required to achieve the military readiness indicator standards. Members supported the proposed score and requirements for JRTOC completers.

Differential Weighting of CCMR Indicators

In accordance with House Bill 8, TEA staff presented research correlating CCMR indicators to postsecondary outcomes and a proposal for differential weighting of CCMR indicators, seeking TAAG feedback on the methodology and approach for 2028.TEA shared analysis that the preliminary framework proposal meets the requirements of House Bill 8, as it places differential value on IBCs through the 5% cap on Tier 3 IBCs. While members agreed that the January 2026 proposal is stronger and clearer than previous proposals, feedback indicated that additional research is needed, and the proposal is not yet ready for 2028 implementation.

Assessment 2025 - 2026 Calendar

The Calendar of Events for the 2025–2026 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. 

Applied Sciences Pathway Program Webinar

House Bill 20, passed by the 89^th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, establishes the Applied Sciences Pathway Program in Texas Education Code, §29.914. This program is designed to provide students in grades 11 and 12 with enhanced opportunities to concurrently earn a high school diploma and a Level I or II certificate or credential of value from an institution of higher education (IHE) in high-wage, high-growth industries.

School systems within Texas, with approval from TEA, may substitute college-level CTE program courses for courses that satisfy high school graduation requirements, provided they substantially cover the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Program implementation will begin with the 2026-2027 school year.

The Applied Sciences Pathway Program Application for the 2026-2027 school year opened January 15, 2026, and closes May 15, 2026.

For more information, see the Applied Sciences Pathway Program webpage. Additional program application and implementation details will be shared in a webinar on February 18, 2026, from 9:00-10:00 a.m. CST. If you have a question you would like to have addressed during the webinar, submit it here. School system and education service center staff may use this link to submit their professional email address by February 13, 2026, to register for the webinar.

Monthly Office Hours with the TEA CTE Team

The TEA CTE Team is excited to announce the launch of monthly office hours for school administrators, counselors, and CTE teachers.

When: 2^nd Wednesday of each month - next one is March 11, 2026

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. CDT

Use this link to join the CTE Monthly Office Hours via Teams. Some participants have reported that the browser version of Teams did not function properly. In this situation, try to open the meeting in the Teams application. The office hours are designed to provide targeted assistance with questions related to CTE programming. Whether you are seeking clarification on a specific initiative, need support with implementation, or want to connect with the TEA CTE Team, this time is available to you. Each monthly session may include updates or insights on specific topics, but the primary focus is to support LEAs with their CTE programmatic questions.

Student Opportunities

Nominations Open for the 2026 Student Heroes Award

2026 Junior Achievement Inspire Career Day

Region 11 ESC is excited to participate in the 2026 JA Inspire Career Expo. Registration for the March 4, 2026, event kicked off in October, and interest is growing quickly as more partners and schools confirm their participation.

JA Inspire will include a dedicated Manufacturing & Engineering Zone this year through their new partnership with TMAC, bringing additional hands-on industry experiences to your students.

The partners will be bringing interactive activities, equipment, and real conversations that help students understand what different careers actually look like.

Event Overview

📍 Location: TTI, Inc. (Sager Electronics) – 4501 North Fwy, Fort Worth, TX 76106
📅 Career Expo: March 4, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.   
                      May shift into two sessions depending on total registrations
🎒 In-Class Program: February 23–27, 2026
🚌 Registration Deadline: February 13, 2026

Why Schools Participate:

• Students explore careers through hands-on, engaging activities
• Meaningful conversations with professionals from diverse industries
• Alignment to TEKS and career readiness goals
• A fully funded experience that broadens postsecondary awareness

Highlighted Organizations Who Have Registered:

• Autobahn
• Beck Architecture Group
• BNSF Railway
• BP Aero LLC
• Buzz Aldrin Foundation
• CareerSpring
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport
• ESC Region 11
• Fidelity Investments
• Flex-N-Gate
• Fort Worth Sister Cities International
• General Motors
• In & Out Burger
• LJA Engineering
• Mouser Electronics
• RobotLAB DFW West
• Tarleton State University
• TechFW
• Texas Wesleyan University  
• Trinity Metro
• United Super Market
• University of Texas at Arlington
• Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County

Your students will have the chance to explore pathways in technology, engineering, business, health sciences, creative fields, and more—giving them a clearer picture of what their future can look like.

To reserve your spot, please use the Registration Link. If you would like to schedule time to meet with the JA team, please contact Aubrey Guzman at aguzman@jafortworth.org to explore more about this innovative experience.

2026 Women in Industry Conference

The Women in Industry Conference is designed to advance our shared mission to increase awareness among high school girls of high-demand, high-wage career pathways in Texas. The Women in Industry Conference introduces high school girls to high-skill, high-growth industries through:

• Career Awareness: Exploration of career fields such as electrical, instrumentation, process operations, welding, logistics, lab technology, manufacturing, and analyzer technology.
• Industry Leadership: Sessions led by women and leaders from companies like ExxonMobil and Worley, highlighting pathways to strong, sustainable wages.
• Interactive Engagement: Networking with industry professionals, Q&A sessions, and industry exhibits showing the training and credentials needed for these in-demand jobs.
• Inspiration: Real stories from women who have built successful careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Event Details: 

📍 Location: Moody Gardens Hotel & Convention Center,  1 Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554
📅 Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
🎒 Cost: $25 per student ticket price includes breakfast and lunch

• Overnight accommodations: Available on-site at Moody Gardens
• For lodging options, please visit:  Click to Book Reservations

🚌 Registration:  Individual Tickets available through Eventbrite

• 2026 Women in Industry Conference ticket portal: Click to Register Individuals
• Group Registration or Purchase Orders: contact Brooke Kearby Saner to arrange
  • Districts bringing large groups are encouraged to share bus needs and chaperone ratios by February 5, 2026, to support planning

2026 Construction Career Day Construction Career Day is a construction career exploration event designed to provide 9th through 12th-grade students a chance to experience the construction industry through interactive learning labs and equipment demonstrations under supervision by professional construction companies. Attendees can also learn about education paths to a career in the industry. Thursday, March 26, 2026 Globe Life Field

High School STEM Scholarship Opportunity The SEMI Texas Chapter and the SEMI Foundation are offering a scholarship for Texas junior and senior high school students pursuing a STEM field of study in college. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2026. Previous years' award amounts were a minimum of $1,000.

HMAC Scholarship Program This program provides specialized training and prepares students to enter the workforce directly in the dynamic and growing asphalt industry. Applications are being accepted now through March 2, 2026. This scholarship includes: What: 10-Day TxDOT Level 1A, Level 1B, and SB102 Training & Certification Program Value: $6,650 (includes hotel, food reimbursement, and cost of training and certification courses) Where: At the Hot Mix Asphalt Center in Buda, TX When: June 8-19, 2026 How: Apply online at https://www.txhmac.org/history/scholarship/ This is a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on training, earn industry-recognized TxDOT certifications, and enter a rewarding, well-paying field with the skills needed for asphalt production, testing, and construction. Additionally, we will connect recipients with employers with job openings across Texas, ensuring a smooth transition into the workforce as certified professionals. For more information, reach out to Josh Whitehead, HMAC Technical Director.

Professional Development and Related Opportunities

The CCMR Bridge: Gap Analysis & Funding Summit Stop chasing metrics—start driving measurable outcomes. Join Advanced Technologies Consultants (ATC) for a high-impact working BBQ lunch created exclusively for North Texas CTE leaders and college deans. This focused session goes beyond the “what” of technology and dives into the “how”—how to strategically align programs, funding, and industry-recognized credentials to improve student success and district performance.

ExCITE II Program for High School Technology and Engineering Educators

The ExCITE II program is now recruiting high school technology & engineering educators for Cohort 3 (26-27 school year), and this is your opportunity to be part of a national initiative that’s transforming how students experience computer science and engineering design. We consider a target program to offer these types of concepts to the students: woodworking, 3d printing, CAD, CNC, drafting, robotics, engineering design process,  etc. We are not targeting computer science educators.

Through ExCITE II, you’ll receive comprehensive training to teach AP Computer Science Principles (CSP) byDesign, a course that blends computational thinking with hands-on, project-based learning. This isn’t just professional development, it’s a chance to elevate your teaching, expand your students’ opportunities, and join a vibrant community of educators committed to innovation in STEM education.

As a participant, you’ll receive a full class set of robotics and computer control kits (valued at $2,800) that will remain with your school district after the program. You’ll also earn a $2,000 stipend, with half paid at the start of the school year and the remainder upon completion of your project research notes. All travel, lodging, and meal expenses for in-person events are fully reimbursed, so you can focus on learning and collaboration without financial stress. In addition, you’ll become a certified College Board AP CSP teacher, receive a free one-year ITEEA membership, and qualify for 90 hours of continuing education credit, a powerful boost to your professional credentials.

 If you're ready to bring hands-on, design-based computer science education to your students and grow as a leader in your field, we encourage you to apply today. Learn more and apply here.

For questions, reach out to Mark Harrell, STEM CTL Director with ITEEA.

Executive Leadership Compass ESC Region 11 is excited to introduce a new leadership series specifically designed for school system district executive leaders—Executive Leadership Compass. These sessions are crafted to support strategic growth and organizational effectiveness through purposeful leadership development. Each session will focus on high-impact topics such as aligning vision with culture, leveraging data for innovation, and sustaining leadership momentum.   Executive Leadership Compass 2025–2026 Schedule: February 18, 2026 – Developing Leaders, Empowering Systems May 28, 2026 – Sustaining Momentum Through Data-Informed Innovation (Virtual only)

2025-2026 CTE & CCMR Leader Meetings

• February 19, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• March 26, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• April 16, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• May 21, 2026 • 9 a.m.

CTE & CCMR Leader Meeting - Virtual Recap

• February 26, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• April 2, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• April 23, 2026 • 9 a.m.
• May 28, 2026 • 9 a.m.

CTE Administrator Trainings

This professional development series is designed to strengthen the leadership capacity of CTE administrators through both fundamental and deep dive sessions. The trainings will focus on key areas of program success, including data-driven decision making, building effective partnerships, program design and expansion, supporting CTE teachers, leveraging resources, and evaluating program impact.

Held throughout the year in Irving ISD and Lewisville ISD, these sessions will provide administrators with the knowledge and practical strategies needed to lead comprehensive, high-quality K–12 CTE programs.

• Feb. 24, 2026 • CTE Administrator Fundamental Training: Program Design
• Feb. 24, 2026 • CTE Administrator Deep Dive Training: Program Expansion
• Mar. 31, 2026 • CTE Administrator Fundamental Training: CTE Resources
• Mar. 31, 2026 • CTE Administrator Deep Dive Training: Program Evaluation

ESC Region 11 Resources

Jacob Hildebrand, M.Ed. Administrator Coach for CCMR & CTE Email: jhildebrand@esc11.net Location: 1451 South Cherry Lane, White Settlement, TX 76108 Phone: 817-740-3691