February 22, 2010
To the Administrator Addressed:
Re: Early College High School Designation Process
Under the authority of Texas Education Code §29.908(b) and Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §102.1091, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has developed a designation process for Early College High Schools (ECHS). The designation process will ensure that districts operating ECHSs maintain the integrity of the model, which was researched and designed to target and serve students who may not otherwise consider attending college.
In accordance with TAC §102.1091, the designation process is required for all existing and proposed ECHSs. Schools that receive the ECHS designation will receive a number of benefits including:
- Recognition as an Approved Early College High School:
Schools designated by TEA as state-approved ECHSs will receive various forms of media recognition, including but not limited to, inclusion on a map of state-approved ECHSs, a listing on TEA’s ECHS website (www.txechs.com), and recognition in press releases.
- Eligibility for Exemption from Dual Credit Restrictions:
The program design of an ECHS focuses on allowing students to begin college courses based on their performance, possibly as early as the 9th grade. However, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) dual credit rules state that:
- a student is eligible to enroll in dual credit courses in the eleventh and/or twelfth grade if the student meets certain eligibility requirements and
- high school students shall not be enrolled in more than two dual credit courses per semester (See Appendices 5 and 6 of the ECHS Designation Application for more information.)
Therefore, in order to fulfill the program design, an institution of higher education partner must receive an exemption from dual credit restrictions through the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. In order to receive exemption from dual credit restrictions, an ECHS must first receive approval from TEA through the ECHS designation process.
- Eligibility for State Programs:
Designated ECHSs may take advantage of activities and programs designed by the Texas Legislature, TEA, and THECB to target Early College High Schools. Examples include, but are not limited to, the following;
- Optional Flexible School Day: A program created by the Legislature to provide ECHSs (and other specified schools) with a flexible method of attendance accounting. This program is designed to enable school districts or charters to receive funding for serving students in programs that provide flexibility in the number of hours and days each week a student attends.
- ECHS Convenings: Special events hosted by TEA and THECB for ECHS administrators and principals to provide input on policies and procedures that impact ECHS.
- Membership in the ECHS Network:
TEA, THECB, and the Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT)/Texas High School Project (THSP) periodically provide opportunities for principals, teachers, and students in designated ECHSs in Texas to network and share best practices through conferences and technical assistance sessions.
- Access to Professional Development and Technical Assistance:
Designated ECHSs will have access to high-quality professional development and technical assistance including:
- Advice and information from Site Design Coaches who have successfully facilitated the design and implementation of the majority of ECHSs operating in Texas.
- Opportunities to attend high-quality, on-site professional development and training provided by nationally-recognized technical assistance providers such as Jobs for the Future and the CFT/THSP. The training provided by these organizations, which is currently only available to ECHS grantees, will be offered to designated ECHSs at a reduced cost or for free when possible.
- Strength of ECHS Model: Through the designation process, TEA, and THECB will recognize those ECHSs that are designed and operated according to the ECHS design elements. The designation process will enable districts and higher education partners to engage in the research and planning necessary to ensure that their ECHSs are set up in the most effective way possible.
To Apply:
- Request an application by e-mailing echs@tea.state.tx.us or calling Kelty Garbee, TEA ECHS Program Manager at 512-936-2597
- Applications are due to TEA on or before April 15, 2010 in order to open a campus as a designated ECHS during the 2010-2011 school year. The TEA will notify each applicant of its approval status to operate a designated ECHS by May 28, 2010.
- Districts must complete this application each year in order to renew ECHS Designation.
- Districts that have previously completed the THECB’s “Notification of Intent” still need to complete this
application. The ECHS designation process replaces and supersedes the previous THECB process.
Technical Assistance: Sessions will be offered on the following days:
Date and Time |
Location |
Topic |
Monday, March 1
2:00-4:00 pm |
TETN Event # 7388
All 20 Education Service Centers |
Introduction to ECHS Resources & Designation Q&A
An opportunity to ask questions about Designation and an overview of documents, websites, tools, and resources available to districts and college partners that are developing or refining an ECHS design.
*Mandatory if you wish to participate in an ECHS Site Design Studio described below.
Who Should Attend: Districts and colleges applying for ECHS Designation that want to learn about all of the site design resources available. |
Monday, March 8
1:00-3:00 pm |
TETN Event # 7398
All 20 Education Service Centers |
How to Create (or Refine) a 60 College Credit Hour Plan
Representatives from TEA and the Coordinating Board will answer questions and provide dual credit advice for ECHS partners who are working together to articulate high school and college courses.
Email questions in advance to echs@tea.state.tx.us
Who Should Attend: New or existing ECHS that have questions about dual credit in an ECHS or that want information about designing a 60 College Credit Hour Plan. |
Friday, March 12
8:00 am-5:00 pm |
Conference Call
E-mail echs@tea.state.tx.us
to request a 45 minute appointment and receive call instructions |
ECHS Site Design Studio
School districts and their college partners may schedule a 45 minute conference call to receive targeted technical assistance from ECHS design experts.
Expectations for participation:
- Applicants who wish to participate in the Site Design Studio must have attended the Introduction to ECHS Resources TETN.
- Applicants must e-mail a list of questions in advance.
- Representatives from the institution of higher education and the school district must participate in the call.
Who Should Attend: New or existing ECHSs that want specialized ECHS site design advice. |
For assistance completing the application:
- CFT and TEA grantees may contact ECHS Coaches.
- Districts that have not received a grant may contact the ECHS Program Manager by e-mailing echs@tea.state.tx.us or by calling 512-936-2597.
For general inquiries regarding the ECHS designation process, please contact Kelty Garbee at echs@tea.state.tx.us or by phone at 512-936-2597.
Sincerely,
Barbara Knaggs
Associate Commissioner State Initiatives
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