Blog author: Julia Estelle Cotton
Content Marketing Associate
Texas Educators Unite to Elevate and Innovate Public School Initiatives
July 29, 2024
Over 650 educators and partners have fresh insights and strategies to advance education initiatives for students across Texas.
The seventh annual College and Career Readiness School Model (CCRSM) Leadership Summit held this summer in beautiful Corpus Christi, Texas featured more than 100 breakout sessions on Early College High School (ECHS) and Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) implementation. The “Elevate and Innovate” theme provided a platform for ECHS and P-TECH districts, campuses, and their partners to collaborate, share new ideas, and enhance best practices.
“We really want to recognize and elevate the great work that is taking place,” Educate Texas Managing Director of Programs Chris Coxon emphasized. “We know that in order to reach our goals, we’ve got to continue to innovate and create new solutions for our students.”
Founder and Director of the Hope + Future Foundation Gian Paul Gonzalez delivered an inspiring message about commitment and perseverance in the keynote address. He reminded attendees that “commitment is not a feeling—it’s an action.” His speech set an empowering tone for the summit, encouraging participants to go “All In” for their students.
Throughout the summit, attendees engaged in a wide range of sessions that addressed various aspects of education and career readiness:
- Educational Pathways and Career Preparation: Sessions covered topics such as building an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing pathway, doubling healthcare pathways through P-TECH programs, and creating effective crosswalks that align high school and college plans.
- Student Support and Success: Discussions highlighted comprehensive student support systems, wrap-around supports, and academic advising. Insights were shared on Dallas ISD’s data-driven strategies, innovative recruitment and retention strategies, and fostering a supportive culture to help students thrive academically and personally.
- Data and Technology Integration: Engaging sessions focused on using GIS mapping for Career Technical Education visual data analysis, storytelling with data, and skills gap analysis to better capture student journeys. Innovative strategies for sustainable success in P-TECH programs were also explored.
- Collaboration and Networking: The Texas Regional Pathways Network underscored the importance of building strong educational and career pathways. Other discussions included developing district-wide collaboration systems, expanding ECHS/P-TECH impact, and creating meaningful connections between educational institutions and industry partners
Education Leaders also had the opportunity to visit the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center, the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas, where they gained hands-on experience with state-of-the-art veterinary equipment while learning about education and career pathways available to students in the marine biology and wildlife fields.
Dr. Tracie Rodriguez, Director for Early College Programs & Workforce Education of Collegiate High School and Harold T. Branch Academy, led a tour of the Collegiate High School site, focusing on ECHS programming and operational practices. The tour included rotations and impactful conversations with Del Mar College representatives, teachers, counselors, students, and administrators. She emphasized the importance of intentional advising and collaboration to ensure student success.
Logan Minshew, Director for Counseling, Advising, and Student Support at the Texas Education Agency highlighted the alignment of the summit’s goals with TEA’s mission to prepare every student for college, career, and military success. He remarked, “The goals of the conference, to elevate and innovate, align seamlessly with TEA’s goal of helping every student be prepared for college, career, and military success.”
John Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of Educate Texas, celebrated the collaborative spirit of the summit, stating, “It takes a village. We’re really lucky to have an incredible team working for Educate Texas. We’ve got 31 veteran principals and teachers from Texas high schools and universities and colleges who are out in the field. We have a rocking partnership with the TEA and the universities, colleges, and school districts across the state. It takes this village working together on behalf of students.”
The 2024 CCRSM Leadership Summit was an inspiring success, strengthening efforts to enhance college and career readiness. The event facilitated collaboration among education leaders and partners and supported the missions of Educate Texas and the Texas Education Agency. The insights and connections made will continue to inspire innovation and elevate education across Texas.
About Educate Texas
Educate Texas, an initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, is a trusted change agent in Texas education, working through programs and policies to ensure every Texas student is prepared in the school, in the workforce, and in life. Since 2003, Educate Texas has partnered with school districts, institutions of higher education, businesses, community and civic organizations, state agencies, and policymakers to strengthen the public and higher education systems for all Texas students. Learn more at edtx.org.
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