The Texas Education Agency announced Tuesday its newest Early College High School (ECHS) designations for the 2015-2016 school year. Harlingen High School and Harlingen High School South were among the 44 campuses across the state to be approved.
“A we continue our transformational efforts in providing world-class schools for our HCISD students, this designation is the next step for our comprehensive high schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Art Cavazos. “Our students will be introduced to the rigor of college coursework early on, furthering their likelihood of enrolling and succeeding in college.”
Reducing the barriers to college success, HHS and HHSS will offer eligible students additional opportunities to access dual credit courses as early as 9th grade.
“In effect, this initiative will also allow our students and families to save time and money,” said Board of Trustees President Greg Powers. “By incorporating the potential to earn additional college credit into the academic structure of our comprehensive high schools, we can challenge our students with a rigorous learning environment that will further prepare them to succeed in postsecondary education.”
According to a TEA news release, a school district must obtain an ECHS designation from the Texas Education Agency to allow high school students to enroll in more than two dual credit courses per semester and enroll in dual credit coursework with freshman or sophomore standing.
School districts approved for an ECHS designation must complete technical assistance activities during the spring. In addition, a final, signed memorandum of understanding with an institution of higher education partner must be submitted to TEA before the start of the 2015 school year.
