As Texas continues to strengthen its focus on preparing students for life after graduation, several important updates have been released regarding College Preparatory Courses (CPCs) and their role in College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). These changes impact how students demonstrate Texas Success Initiative (TSI) readiness, how districts report course completion, and what will be counted toward accountability in future years. In this article, we discuss the changes to college preparatory courses that districts need to know.
1. TSI and College Readiness: A Key Pathway for Graduates
Every year, Texas students demonstrate college, career, or military readiness through a variety of measures. One major pathway is meeting TSI requirements in reading language arts (RLA) and mathematics.
How Students Can Meet TSI Readiness
- TSIA 1 or TSIA2 college-ready criteria
- SAT or ACT college-ready benchmarks
- Successful completion of a College Preparatory Course as defined in TEC §28.014 and TEC §51.338 and outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding with the institution(s) of higher education (IHE).
Completing a CPC provides students with a TSI exemption from the partnering IHE, making these courses a valuable bridge to postsecondary success.
2. Reporting Requirements for College Preparatory Courses
The Accountability Rating System Manual emphasizes important guidance for districts. These clarifications ensure consistency, transparency, and statewide accuracy in reporting.
College Prep Courses Reporting Requirements
- Alignment is essential. Criteria for successful completion must be agreed upon between the local education agency (LEA) and the partnering IHE(s).
- Only students who earn a TSI exemption should be reported as successfully completing a CPC in TSDS PEIMS. Under TEC §51.338(e), students receive a TSI exemption from the partner IHE upon successful completion as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding.
3. Recent Change to CPC Credits
As announced in the 2024 A–F Accountability Ratings Manual, only 12th-grade CPC credits earned in 12th grade will count toward CCMR beginning in the 2027 accountability year. This will affect 2025-26 graduates.
This shift reinforces the expectation that College Preparatory Courses (CPCs) serve as a capstone experience for college readiness during a student’s final year.
4. Updated Course Codes for CPCs
The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has released a new set of unique course codes for CPCs. This is based on submissions from the College Preparatory Courses for the CCMR application process.
Starting in the 2025-26 school year, the state requires school districts to:
- Implement these CPC-specific course codes
- Use them to support accurate statewide identification of partnerships
- Improve monitoring of student enrollment with individual course providers
This change strengthens consistency across districts and streamlines future reporting.
5. Approved CPC List Delayed to 2028 Accountability
In response to public feedback during the 2026 A–F Accountability Ratings Manual comment period, TEA is postponing the requirement that only courses on the agency-approved CPC List count for CCMR.
New Timeline for Aligning CPC Offerings
- Requirement applies beginning with the 2028 accountability year
- Applies to graduates in the 2026-27 year
Staying Prepared
These updates underscore TEA’s continued commitment to ensuring high-quality college readiness opportunities across Texas. Districts should begin planning for:
- Implementation of 2025-2026 unique CPC course codes
- Alignment discussions with partnering IHEs
- Adjustments for 12th-grade credit requirements
- Preparation for the approved-course list transition in 2028 accountability
With thoughtful planning, these changes will strengthen CPC implementation and ensure students are well-prepared for success in college and beyond.
For more articles about CCMR and accountability, visit our blog. The ESC Region 13 Accountability team can answer questions and provide customized professional development for your staff. Find out more on our website.
Xochitl Martinez
Xochitl Martinez is the College and Career Readiness Project Coordinator at the Education Service Center Region 13.
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