October 21, 2022 (Corpus Christi, Texas) – Flour Bluff ISD was recently notified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that the Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) application has been accepted, and Flour Bluff ISD now has a provisional 4-year designation. Last year, TEA granted FBISD a planning year to work jointly with Del Mar College, Workforce Solutions of South Texas, and local industry partners to develop a program that equips high school students with hands-on work experience. This opportunity allows FBISD students to gain work skills through internships, apprenticeships, or other job training.
Flour Bluff ISD has collaborated with Del Mar College to develop this program, allowing us to align our current trades’ classes to Industry Based Certifications. These certifications prepare students for construction careers, such as plumbing and general carpentry, after graduation. The hallmark of the P-TECH model is its career focus and the provision of work-based education.
At the end of the 4th year, the P-TECH must apply for designation status and meet the state’s Designated OBM criteria. TEA requires Designation renewal annually for each P-TECH
The P-TECH Blueprint provides foundational principles and standards for innovative partnerships with colleges and industry. The P-TECH Blueprint contains six benchmarks outlining the design elements that each P-TECH campus must implement before serving students. Additionally, outcome-based measures in Access, Attainment, and Achievement provide guidance for P-TECH program implementation and continuous improvement efforts.
