Round Rock Edition | October 2023

Education

Grant funding to help expand health sciences Round Rock ISD will expand its health sciences program in the next school year, thanks to state grant funding. In a nutshell RRISD announced it received a $10,000 grant from the Texas Education Agency to add a health sciences Pathways in Technology Early College High School program in early September. It is one of 10 districts in Texas to receive this grant, and the funds will be used to offset expenses for professional development, advisory council meetings and staff necessary to plan the program’s implementation. What else? The P-TECH program will be located at Cedar Ridge High School, and will provide opportu- nities for students to earn certifications and an associate degree.

RRISD to maintain B accountability score Round Rock ISD officials expect to main- tain a B in the Texas Education Agency’s annual A-F accountability rating system amid updates. New ratings are expected sometime in October. In a nutshell RRISD Chief of Schools and Innovation Natalie Nichols said Sept. 14 the district is projecting a score of 87, two points lower than the previous year.

Expanding health science options

Courses to be expanded:

Additional options: • New credentials • Dual-credit courses in partnership with ACC • Work-based component for all four years

• CPR Level I and II • Clinical medical assistant • Pharmacy technician • Certified nurse aid

SOURCE: ROUND ROCK ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

About the program Through partnerships with Austin Community College and the private industry, the P-TECH health sciences program will allow students to pursue new credentials, dual-credit courses and a work-based component for all four years, said Sherri Bonds, RRISD’s director of career and technical education. Applications for the expanded program will open in either the fall 2023 or spring 2024 semes- ter, according to the district.

"Many districts will see where their score has been reduced, Round Rock included." NATALIE NICHOLS, RRISD'S CHIEF OF SCHOOLS AND INNOVATION

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