TEA Early College High School Designation
2011-2012 ECHS Designation Application
The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) annual Early College High School (ECHS) Designation Application process ensures that districts and colleges operating Early College High Schools maintain the integrity of the model, which was researched and designed to target and serve students who would not otherwise attend college. Early College High Schools follow a set of core principles, and those schools that receive ECHS Designation receive a number of benefits including:
- Recognition as an Approved Early College High School
- Eligibility for Exemption from Dual Credit Restrictions
- Eligibility for State Programs (such as Optional Flexible School Day)
- Membership in the Early College High School Network
- Access to Professional Development and Technical Assistance
- Recognition for Fidelity to the Early College High School Model
Email echs@tea.state.tx.us and request the Planning Year Guidelines and Application
NEW: ECHS Planning Year
- The Texas Education Agency has designed a self-evaluation tool to help districts and their college partners determine if their partnership is ready to apply for ECHS Designation. Partnerships that require additional time before seeking ECHS Designation may apply to participate in the ECHS Planning Year.
- Partnership teams consisting of a school district and a college may apply to participate in this eight-month planning process during the 2011-2012 school year. Teams will be self-guided with support from ECHS coaches.
Email echs@tea.state.tx.us and request the Planning Year Guidelines and Application
Technical Assistance on February 24 and March 8, 2011
ECHS Designation Update and Introduction to ECHS Planning Year:
An opportunity to learn about new requirements and important changes to the application, including a new planning year option. Note: The same information will be covered on both dates, so you only need to participate in one technical assistance session.
Thursday, February 24 / 10:00-11:30 am
TETN Event # 10001
To participate: contact your local Education Service Centers. Colleges that wish to participate in the TETN should contact their partner school district.
Tuesday, March 8 / 9:30-11:00 am
Webinar
Join the webinar at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/916143363
Call in or use your microphone and speakers - a headset is recommended.
Dial: 630-869-1011
Access Code: 916-143-363
Meeting ID: 916-143-363
Download 2011-2012 ECHS Designation and Introduction to Planning Year Powerpoint PresentationTETN Event # 10001
To participate: contact your local Education Service Centers. Colleges that wish to participate in the TETN should contact their partner school district.
Tuesday, March 8 / 9:30-11:00 am
Webinar
Join the webinar at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/join/916143363
Call in or use your microphone and speakers - a headset is recommended.
Dial: 630-869-1011
Access Code: 916-143-363
Meeting ID: 916-143-363
Resources
- Introduction to ECHS Design
This resource provides an overview of ECHS design, from creating a design team to ensuring sustainability.
Download Introduction to ECHS Design - Countdown to Opening
A comprehensive list of questions that school districts and colleges should address during their design process. If both partners understand ECHS best practices and can answer all of these questions, they are ready to apply for ECHS Designation.
Download Countdown to Opening - Dual Credit FAQ
The Texas Education Agency developed this informative Dual Credit FAQ that covers a variety of topics including:- Course Requirements
- Student Eligibility Requirements
- Credits and Grades
- Attendance Accounting
- State Funding
- Early College High Schools and Dual Credit
- PEIMS Coding
- Texas Virtual School Network
- Awarding College Credit
Download Dual Credit FAQ - Understanding the Memorandum of Understanding
School districts and colleges that operate Early College High Schools formalize and ensure the sustainability of their partnerships through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This document provides an overview of what should be included in an MOU.
Download TEA Guidance for Early College High Schools: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - Map of Designated Early College High Schools
Texas is a national leader in developing Early College High Schools and the best way to learn about Early Colleges is to see one in action.
Download ECHS Map
or view the ECHS Map on this site
