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Colleges interested in applying for Texas skill standards based program recognition should follow the steps below. The application process is described in detail in the document, Application for Program Recognition (see Step 2 below). The document contains program recognition requirements, application instructions and forms, submission information, and technical assistance contacts.
Step 1A: Incorporation of Skill Standards Content into Technical Curriculum
Interested community and technical colleges should begin the program recognition process by incorporating the skill standards content into courses for a level two certificate or associate's degree program. For guidance in integrating skill standards elements into curriculum, colleges should begin by reading the document, A User's Guide: Incorporating Skill Standards into Community and Technical College Curriculum. Alternatively, colleges may schedule a skill standards usage workshop with Texas Workforce Investment Council (TWIC) staff. The workshop, conducted on site at the college, provides an orientation to the Texas skill standards elements and format followed by a suggested process for integrating each element into a program's curriculum.
New or Revised Programs
For community and technical colleges developing a new or revising an existing program, Step 1A should be completed before the program is submitted to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (Coordinating Board) for approval.
Replication of a Recognized Program
Where skill standards have already been integrated into program(s) that have received recognition, subsequent colleges are encouraged to apply to replicate a recognized program. Under replication, the college offers the technical core curriculum of a recognized program into which the relevant skill standards have been incorporated. The replicating college also ensures that the key activities are taught and assessed, at a minimum, in the same courses as the recognized program. (See Application for Program Recognition for information on how this technical core curriculum is determined through collaboration.)
Step 1B: Notification of Intent to Apply for Program Recognition
Colleges shall submit a Notification of Intent (NOI) to Apply for Program Recognition. The NOI must be submitted no later than one month prior to submission of the application. However, it is recommended that the NOI be submitted as soon as possible to enable TWIC staff to notify the college of any other colleges' program recognition efforts in the same occupational area and to provide technical assistance as needed.
Step 2: Submission of Application
College applicants must submit separate documentation for each level two certificate or associate's degree program for which they are seeking recognition. The program's industry advisory committee chair must sign off on the application, indicating the committee's support of the skill standards-based curriculum. Forms and detailed instructions on how to complete and submit the application documents, including for replicating a recognized program, can be found in the Application for Program Recognition (see link below). To download the application forms in interactive Microsoft (MS) Word format, click on the link below.
Step 3: Notification of Coordinating Board Program Approval for New or Revised Programs
College applicants that are developing a new or revising an existing program shall notify TWIC staff when they receive Coordinating Board approval. Notification procedures are detailed in the Application for Program Recognition.
Step 4: Review and Discussion of Application
The college's application is reviewed against the program recognition requirements. (See Application for Program Recognition for requirements.) If staff has any questions or concerns about whether the application meets the recognition requirements, college applicants will be invited to discuss them and to make adjustments as needed.
Step 5: Program Recognition
For applications that meet all the requirements, staff notifies the college that program recognition has been granted, and posts the program on the Texas skill standards website.
Applications that do not meet the requirements, with or without adjustments, will be notified of the review process outcome.
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