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Committee keeps Physics for Engineering as an option to meet physics graduation requirement
Summary
The committee approved first reading to amend Chapter 74 graduation requirements to replace Principles of Technology with Physics for Engineering and retained language barring students from receiving credit for both the physics elective and the CTE physics—maintaining the prohibition against double‑counting similar courses.
The Curriculum and Instruction Committee approved first reading and filing authorization for proposed amendments to Chapter 74 (graduation requirements) to replace the course title Principles of Technology with a revised course titled Physics for Engineering and to clarify how that course satisfies science credit requirements.
Staff told the committee the revised Physics for Engineering course is a CTE course that was substantially revised and retitled; reviewers said it still covers the core knowledge and student expectations necessary to satisfy a physics credit for graduation. Staff said the course was reviewed by science educators and outside reviewers and recommended to remain an option that meets the physics requirement.
Committee members discussed a specific content change: staff noted that quantum physics was not explicitly named in the new Physics for Engineering TEKS but that classical physics concepts and the option to teach quantum concepts remained possible within the course. Members also discussed whether counselors might recommend students take both physics and Physics for Engineering; staff reminded the committee that existing rule language disallowed students from earning credit for both essentially duplicate courses.
The committee voted to retain the rule language that prevents students from receiving credit for both physics and Physics for Engineering and to approve the first reading and filing authorization for the amendments. Staff said conforming edits would be made throughout Chapter 74 to reflect the approved use of Physics for Engineering where a physics credit is required.
