ESC Region 14 CTE Newsletter

⏩PLEASE FORWARD NEWSLETTER TO OTHERS WHO MAY NEED THIS INFORMATION

We are collecting information across all partner districts to build an updated regional CTE One-Pager. Please verify your district’s program contacts, Programs of Study, and IBCs.

> 🔗 Complete District CTE Survey

Schedule your campus Fall visit before Thanksgiving. We will review CTE program fundamentals, answer local questions, and evaluate accountability supports.

> 🔗 Schedule Fall Consultant Visit

CTE leadership meetings focus on TEA updates, networking, program improvement, accountability, funding, industry-based certifications, partnerships, teacher support, and work-based learning. Industry tours for administrators may be included.

🔵Day 2: Tuesday, November 17, 2026⋅9:00am – 3:00pm

🔵Day 3: TBD

🔵Day 4: TBD

Experienced CTE Administrator Modules

🔵Module 1 - Planning for a Comprehensive K-12 CCR Program

Thursday, October 22, 2026, 9:00 am-12:00 pm

🔵Module 2 - Program Evaluation

Thursday, October 22, 2026 1:00-4:00 pm

🔵Module 3 - Program Expansion

Thursday, December 3, 2026⋅9:00am – 12:00pm

🔵Module 4 - Supporting CTE Teachers

Thursday, December 3, 2026⋅1:00 – 4:00pm

Experienced CTE Counselors

🔵 Module 1: Informed and Ongoing CTE Advising for MS and HS

Designed for middle and high school counselors, this workshop provides strategies and resources to support effective CTE advising, career planning, and postsecondary readiness.

Tuesday, October 20⋅9:00am – 12:00pm

🔵Module 2: CTE Counselor Professional Learning

Provides middle and high school counselors with strategies to implement an Effective Advising Framework that supports students' academic, career, and postsecondary planning through high-quality advising practices, assessments, and partnerships. Tuesday, October 20⋅ 1:00–4:00pm

New Teacher Cohort (0–5 Yrs Exp): Support with classroom management, TEKS, and instructional strategies.

> 🔗 Register for New Teacher Cohort

Join the CTE team for a webinar hosted by the Bruman Group on November 19, 2026, from 10-11:30 am to learn about the latest federal updates impacting Perkins V and CTE. This webinar will provide insights into key policy developments, funding considerations, and compliance updates that affect CTE programs across Texas. The event is offered at no charge. Register now

Do not miss this opportunity to stay informed and prepared as we navigate the evolving landscape of Perkins V.

• Finance+CTE Joint Workshop | October 22, 2026 (Beaumont, TX) — Collaborative strategies for finance and CTE staff regarding compliance, funding, and data quality.
• The PEIMS Connection Series: CTE | February 24, 2027 (Online) — Deep dive into collective roles governing PEIMS accuracy and state funding outcomes.
• Finance+CTE Joint Academy | April 6–7, 2027 (Georgetown, TX) — Managing state funds, master schedules, student businesses, and PEIMS submissions.

Explore TASBO Professional Development Events

Understanding state accountability structures and financial incentive models enables district leaders to make informed curricular investments. Strategic management of CCMR data tools ensures both maximum financial returns through state allotment mechanisms and clear postsecondary pathways for graduating seniors. Collaboration between district leaders, PEIMS coordinators, and CTE staff ensures students receive proper credit while maximizing financial support.

Critical Distinction: Raw IBC Data vs. CCMR Accountability Credit

Under Texas Education Code §48.110 (updated via HB 3 and HB 2), CCMR Outcomes Bonus funding rewards districts for graduates who successfully transition into postsecondary education, earn credentials, or enlist in the military.

• Economically Disadvantaged Threshold: 11% of annual graduates | Award: $5,000 per graduate above threshold.
• Non-Economically Disadvantaged Threshold: 24% of annual graduates | Award: $3,000 per graduate above threshold.
• Special Education Threshold: 0% (No minimum threshold) | Award: $4,000 per graduate served in special education meeting readiness criteria (regardless of economic status).

Class of 2025 Early Counts are incorporated into the Legislative Payment Estimates (LPE) column of the 2026–2027 Summary of Finances (SOF) reports and paid throughout the year. Distributing these early estimates allows district business managers to project revenue streams accurately and reinvest bonus dollars directly back into CTE career pathways, equipment upgrades, and postsecondary preparation infrastructure.

View CCMR OB Early Counts Report

>Flexible Staffing Provisions for ARD Committees Effective Date: October 4, 2026 (Commissioner Rule) Rule Summary: When an ARD committee meets to consider CTE placement for a student receiving special education services, committee representation rules permit flexible dual-role staffing:

• A knowledgeable CTE representative may attend and concurrently fulfill the role of the district representative.
• A CTE teacher may attend and concurrently fulfill the role of the general education teacher. Practical Application: Reduces administrative scheduling friction for campus ARD meetings while maintaining full specialized expertise during placement decisions.
• To support CTE teachers and ARD committees in designing compliant IEP placements and classroom supports, TEA has released targeted technical tools:
• Access Accommodations Guide
• Access TEKS Behavior Alignment Tool

State subsidies ($26/exam) reduce qualifying student AP exam costs to $27 per test. AP ordering deadline for full-year courses is November 13, 2026.

> 🔗 Review AP Fee Eligibility Criteria

The 18-year age minimum has been removed. High school students qualify by completing 4+ credits across 3+ Education & Training courses (including Level 3 or 4).

> 🔗 Read SBEC Educational Aide I Rule

TEA announced 2026-2027 rates ($35 ACT, $41 SAT, $14/test WorkKeys). One state reimbursement is available per eligible student.

> 🔗 Assessment Reimbursement Guidance

Under SB 2314, 2026–2027 high school graduates must either set up a My Texas Future profile or submit an official opt-out form.

> 🔗 Download Direct Admissions Opt-Out Form

🎄🧑🏻‍🎄🎁Every year, ESC Region 14 hosts a Christmas sale of items made by our regional CTE students. The CTE programs from our region are invited to come and bring the things that they have made and sell them. In the past, we have had welding art, food, hairstylists, Christmas decor, etc. Anyone is invited to shop at this event.

If you would like your CTE students to participate in this event, please contact Tammi Davis at 325-675-8672 or tdavis@esc14.net.

The Rural Pathway Excellence Partnership (R-PEP) helps rural districts expand access to high-quality college and career pathways through regional partnerships while providing additional funding and outcomes bonuses. ESC 14 R-PEPs | TEA R-PEP

ESC Region 14 R-PEPs

• Comanche County Rural Collaborative (est. 2024) - Gustine and De Leon
• Double Mountain Rural Collaborative (est. 2026) - Aspermont, Rule, Roby, Jayton-Girard, Hamlin, Rotan
• West Districts Rural Collaborative (Planning Year 2026) - Colorado City, Loraine, Roscoe, Ira, Westbrook, Hermleigh

To learn more on how to start an R-PEP in your rural area, contact Vicki Hayhurst at vhayhurst@esc14.net.

Submit questions in advance via Smartsheet and join the live monthly Teams Q&A session.

> 🔗 Submit CTE Question (Smartsheet) 🔗 Join Monthly Office Hours (Microsoft Teams)