Last week, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) released their list of approved industry-validated certifications that will count toward the state’s public school accountability ratings, which includes CompTIA certifications A+, Network+, and Security+. The announcement follows the passage of House Bill 22 in which the Texas Legislature requires the state to adopt a set of indicators to measure and evaluate school districts and campuses.
The overall goal is to ensure students attain the appropriate skills and learning for preparedness and success in subsequent grade levels and in entering the workforce, the military, or postsecondary education. The CompTIA Texas State Government Affairs Committee met with Education Commissioner Mike Morath during the legislative session to tout the value of CompTIA certifications.
In determining the certification list, the Commissioner considered the following factors: 1) State-, nationally- or internationally-recognized: Recognition through a national or international business, industry, professional organization, state agency, government entity, or state-based industry association; 2) End of Program: Represents a culmination of knowledge and skills achieved through completion of a program of study in a high school career and technical education program; 3) Stackable: Attainable by high school students and transfers seamlessly to postsecondary work through acceptance for credit or hours at an institution of higher education or to additional industry certifications and opportunities through acceptance by industry as a validated credential for workplace entry and advancement; and 4) Valuable for Industry: Demonstrates the skills and abilities necessary to secure entry into high-skill occupations as demonstrated through attributes such as high wage jobs with growth potential.
For a full list of approved certifications or if you have any questions, please contact Sarah Matz at smatz@comptia.org.
Sarah T. Matz is CompTIA’s director of state government affairs – South
