Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for students that are already in the Texas Scholars program?
This is a local school district decision. Schools may want to recognize students using the requirements that were in place when students entered the 9th grade--this may be especially true for juniors and seniors. Another option for sophomores would be to use the new requirements because they have time to meet the new requirements. All students entering the 9th grade this year should be recognized using the new requirements.
What is TBEC's recommendations for how to count courses eligible for college credit?
TBEC recommends that AP and IB couses should only be counted if the students pass the course and take the national exam. Many students take the courses and pass but do not take the national exam--so they will not be eligible for college credit. TBEC does not recommend using the national scores as part of the Texas Scholars requirements because different colleges and universities have different cut off scores for course credit and the scores for seniors may not be available before graduation. If students are enrolled and pass dual credit/concurrent enrollment or articulated CTE credit courses while in high school, these courses meet the college credit requirement.
Why should school districts purchase the TBEC Achieve Texas Education and Career Planning tools?
The Achieve Texas system creates a statewide network that connects educational, economic, workforce development, and business entities throughout the state. It is an inexpensive comprehensive system with quality career interest, skills, and work environment assessments, tools for college planning, 4, 6, and 8 education and career planning tools that can be customized for each school district, and extensive reporting capabilities. TBEC recommends that all students use the planning tools beginning in middle school. The system provides a lifetime web-based portfolio for each student.
I have been trying to get access to the TBEC Achieve Texas website, but I need an access code to review the system. How do I get a school access code?
The services on the Achieve Texas Career and Education Planning website must be purchased (about a $1 per student for middle and high school students. Charly Simmons at simmonsc@kuder.com will provide you with access information and review codes for this site. The review codes allow you to use the system on a short term basis and to explore all its capabilities. It provides excellent tools for education, career, and program planning.
The cost is for administering the assessments and to provide a web-based lifetime portfolio for each student. The system also provides school districts with web-based tools for developing 4, 6, and 8 year student plans that can be used as students move through different phases of the educational process. TBEC is recommending that all school districts, post-secondary institutions, and workforce centers use this system for education, career, and regional economic development planning.