PEIMS Code 3 Remains for 2011-2012

Today's CTE Listserv announcement includes information about changes to the 2011-2012 Student Attendance Accounting Handbook. The handbook instructs districts to continue coding students as 3 for having a 4-year plan that includes a state approved Tech Prep program of study including 2 or more courses for 3 or more credits and leads to postsecondary education and training. Those responsible for coding students in CTE programs should download the new handbook to ensure accuracy.

Federal funding for Tech Prep was eliminated in 2011, forcing Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to shutter its management of the statewide grant program and leaving district officials to question whether or not data reporting activities would continue. Today's announcement confirms the agency's plans to continue tracking data on students who begin pursuing college studies while in high school, at least for now.

According to the TEA, PEIMS codes may not be repurposed or redefined. The agency must de-activate, delete or create a new code. Additionally, the agency is restricted to capturing only data that is legislated. The state will continue collecting performance data for students participating in Tech Prep-like programs as long as laws related to reporting remain intact.

In spite of the loss of federal funding and the statewide grant program, members of the CTE community have indicated that districts will continue to partner with colleges in offering courses for dual and/or articulated credit of workforce education courses and that colleges will continue to honor articulation agreements.

CTAT applauds the state's efforts to evaluate the success of programs that allow students to pursue college credit while in high school.

The 2011-2012 Student Attendance Accounting Handbook (SAAH) Version 2 is available on the Texas Education Agency website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=7739&menu_id=645&menu_id2=789.