Texas
We studied 7.5 million job postings from 2019-2020 and found that 4.8 million Texas jobs or 64% of job postings demanded at least one Durable Skill.
State Standards Analysis & Recommendations for Improvement
COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS
Readiness standards are published and promoted and describe the competencies students need to learn and possess for entry into and success in college and the workforce. They may or may not be assessed by the state but exist as guidance for educators and expectations for students.
Yes
Does the state define college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s definition of college and/or career readiness is “College readiness is the level of preparation a student must attain in English language arts and mathematics courses to enroll and succeed, without remediation, in an entry-level general education course for credit in that same content area for a baccalaureate degree or associate degree program. It should be noted, however, that the measurement of college readiness through the Algebra II and English III assessments will be only one piece of information that students, parents, and schools will have in making readiness determinations. Algebra II and English III are courses students typically take in grade 11; after students have taken these assessments and potentially met the college-readiness performance standards, they will continue to take higher-level courses (i.e., calculus and English IV) in grade 12. Students will need to continue to acquire content knowledge and perform at a high level in these courses to fully prepare for postsecondary activities.”
Yes
Does the state report metrics related to college and/or career readiness?
Yes, the state’s reported metrics related to college and/or career readiness include:
- EOC scores
- ACT/ SAT
- AP / IB
- Students receiving credit for one or most advanced or dual-enrollment course
- NAEP scores
Yes
Does the state include college/career readiness in its accountability formula?
Yes, find out more about college/career readiness in the state’s accountability formula here.
Yes
Are students expected to demonstrate readiness for college and/or career upon graduation?
Yes, students are expected to demonstrate college and/or career readiness through:
- Advanced Coursework Enrollment
- Postsecondary Assessment (SAT/ACT/Other)
- CTE Participation (CTE, WBL, Credential, Apprenticeship, Other)
Yes
Are Durable Skills reflected in career readiness standards?
Yes. The following durable skills are reflected in Texas’ college and career readiness standards:
- Character
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Creativity
- Critical Thinking
- Fortitude
- Growth Mindset
- Leadership
- Metacognition
- Mindfulness
No
Does the state publish career readiness/employability skills standards?
No
Does the state have a complete framework for work-based learning?
Yes
Does the state define WBL?
Yes, the state’s definition for work-based learning is available here.
No
Does the state have clear expectations for WBL programs?
No
Does the state have a WBL quality guide?
No
Does the state report on WBL participation and outcomes?
No
Does the state use WBL participation as a program quality indicator for Perkins V federal funding?
Yes
Does the state provide guidance related to career/employability skills?
Yes, the state’s guidance related to career/employability skills can be found here.
WORK-BASED LEARNING (WBL)
Work-based learning describes comprehensive guidance, expectations for educators and employers, and quality indicators for assessment.
DURABLE SKILLS ALIGNED WITH READINESS GUIDANCE
GRADUATE PROFILE
A graduate profile includes the competencies and skills a student possesses when they graduate from high school. They showcase student learning outcomes and present a full picture of a student’s abilities.
Yes
Does the state include career/workforce readiness in its graduation requirements?
According to Texas code, students must demonstrate “proficiency,… in delivering clear verbal messages; choosing effective nonverbal behaviors; listening for desired results; applying valid critical thinking and problem-solving processes; and identifying, analyzing, developing, and evaluating communication skills needed for professional and social success in interpersonal situations, group interactions, and personal and professional presentations.”
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