Deadlines approaching for TEA innovative course approval

The Texas Administrative Code allows school districts to offer innovative courses to enable students to master knowledge, skills and competencies not included in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Innovative courses must be approved either by the State Board of Education or the education commissioner and, if approved, may satisfy state elective credit toward graduation. The approval of the local board of trustees is required in order for school districts to offer state-approved innovative courses.

Applications for the renewal of existing courses must be received by Dec. 13.

Applications for new innovative courses must be received by Jan. 17 and will be considered by the state board at the January 2020 or April 2020 meeting.

For more information about innovative courses, please visit the Innovative Courses webpage. You can also contact Kelsey King, Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division, 512-463-9581 or at innovative.courses@tea.texas.gov.