TEA Career Course Study Changes Nothing In Classrooms

The text as introduced · 430 words

By: Harris Davila
H.B. No. 4622

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a study by the Texas Education Agency regarding

participation in certain career and technology programs.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. DEFINITION. In this Act, "agency" means the

Texas Education Agency.

SECTION 2. STUDY REGARDING CERTAIN CAREER PATHWAYS AND

OFFERINGS BY SCHOOL DISTRICTS. (a) The agency shall conduct a

study regarding the participation of students in applicable courses

and offerings related to the following:

(1) Mobility & Transportation;

(2) Healthcare;

(3) Skilled Trades and Construction;

(4) Manufacturing; and

(5) Information Technology.

(b) The study must identify:

(1) the demand for each above-listed industry at

entry-level positions according to each region of the state.

(2) how many students are currently enrolled in the

related course offerings listed in (a) and what, if any,

industry-based certifications were pursued by the students;

(3) how many students completed industry-based

certifications in the fields listed in (a);

(4) how many and which school districts offer programs

in the fields listed in (a);

(5) whether students entered the workforce in the

field of certification listed above or attended an institution of

higher education and where the specific student works or continues

their field of study at an institution of higher education;

(6) whether a student who enrolled in a field of study

listed in (a) after high school graduation, pursued a related

career in the job market or a relevant program at an institution of

higher education;

(7) the participation of students in middle school and

high school in career exploration pathways that are available in

their school district, if offered by the district;

(8) the list of postsecondary institutions for each

region of the state who offer fields of study related to those

listed in (a);

(9) the amount of funding necessary to ensure school

districts, the agency, and other applicable entities to continue to

collect information related to postsecondary and job market data.

SECTION 3. REPORT TO LEGISLATURE. Not later than December

1, 2026, the agency shall submit a report to the legislature that

includes the results of the study conducted under Section 2 of this

Act and any associated recommendations.

SECTION 4. EXPIRATION. This Act expires September 1, 2027.

SECTION 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect

immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members

elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas

Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for

immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2025.