TO THE ADMINISTRATOR ADDRESSED:
This letter is to clarify the courses that may be taken for Technology Applications graduation credit. Many school districts have contacted the Texas Education Agency to ask if the innovative courses Internetworking Technologies I and II (Cisco Networking Systems) may be taken for Technology Applications graduation credit. Internetworking Technologies I and II cannot count as Technology Applications graduation credit, because the courses do not meet all five criteria used by the State Board of Education in considering what courses could be offered for Technology Applications graduation credit.
In September 1997, the State Board of Education (SBOE) adopted amendments to 19 TAC Chapter 74, Curriculum Requirements, to provide students in school districts that choose to offer the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for Technology Applications the opportunity to receive the state high school graduation credit for Technology Applications beginning in the 1997-98 school year. Attached is a list of the 17 courses that may count for state graduation credit. Only the 17 courses approved by the SBOE may count for this credit. No substitutions are allowed for courses required for state graduation credit. Innovative courses count for state elective credit only.
The courses that may be taken for Technology Applications credit represent advanced levels and are more rigorous than other technology-related knowledge and skills taught at lower grade levels. The criteria used by the SBOE in considering what courses could be offered for Technology Applications graduation credit included:
- The majority of the course is correlated to the Technology Applications high school TEKS;
- Computers and other digital technologies are used to complete the majority of learning activities and student projects;
- The course must be different and more rigorous than student expectations taught at previous grades in Texas schools (i.e., Middle School Technology Applications TEKS);
- The course focuses on performance-based, hands-on strands (acquire information, solve problems, communicate) using technology; and
- The course utilizes multiple software applications (word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation packages).
While computers and related technology are used as instructional tools in addressing the content of many courses, such as Internetworking Technologies I & II, not all technology courses address the use of computers and related technology in a broad context to allow for the teaching and learning of the essential knowledge and skills in the courses approved for Technology Applications graduation credit. While the content of Internetworking Technologies I & II is quite rigorous, the courses only meet criteria 2, 3 and 4.
Questions regarding Technology Applications credit can be directed to Kathy Mihalik or Karen Kahn at (512) 463-9401. If you have questions regarding Career and Technology courses, please call Emmett Eary, Nancy Flores, or Bennie Walker for Business Education at (512) 463-9692, or Richard Grimsley for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education at (512) 463-9474. Questions regarding innovative courses should be directed to Curriculum and Professional Development at (512) 463-9581.
Sincerely,
Paul W. Lindsey
Coordinator for Continuing Education
Questions regarding Technology Applications credit can be directed to Kathy Mihalik or Karen Kahn at (512) 463-9401. If you have questions regarding Career and Technology courses, please call Emmett Eary, Nancy Flores, or Bennie Walker for Business Education at (512) 463-9692, or Richard Grimsley for Technology Education/Industrial Technology Education at (512) 463-9474. Questions regarding innovative courses should be directed to Curriculum and Professional Development at (512) 463-9581.