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Spring ISD updates Education Planning Guide, adds dual-credit options and career-skills pathways
Summary
District presented the 2025-26 Education Planning Guide with expanded CTE pathways, a new dual-enrollment agreement with McMurray University that does not require TSI readiness, additions for students with special needs and planned rollout for course selection; trustees raised Aeries access concerns.
Spring Independent School District academic leaders presented the 2025-26 Education Planning Guide (EPG) during the Jan. 16 work session and sought board approval at the next meeting. The guide outlines high-school course sequences, career pathways, endorsements and postsecondary options, and includes new program details and rollout dates for course selection.
Key additions and changes - Dual credit expansion: The district added a dual-credit opportunity through McMurray University that allows students to enroll without being TSI-ready; Lone Star dual-credit options remain in place. The district characterized this as an expansion of access to college-credit coursework. - Career and Technical Education (CTE): The EPG provides pathway charts by cluster with course sequencing, industry-based certifications, CTSO (Career and Technical Student Organization) alignment and local job-market information (medium wage range, annual openings, growth percentages). - Career skills and accessibility: District staff added a "career skills" section and locally developed elective courses to help students receiving special education services meet endorsement and graduation requirements (examples: skills for community success, skills for independent success, community transportation). These locally developed courses aim to allow students in self-contained settings to complete a program of study and endorsement. - Advanced academics: AP Seminar and AP Research were added across all comprehensive high schools as capstone courses that can earn endorsement credit when completed successfully. The district also expanded dual enrollment and work-based learning practicum offerings such as practicum in information technology; some students already gain internship hours working with district technology teams.
Rollout and logistics Board members were told counselors already began course-selection meetings. A district deadline was stated as Jan. 31 for final course selections so campuses can move selections into the Aeries student information system. The district said it has already uploaded four-year plans from Naviance into Aeries and will process course selections directly in Aeries.
Trustee concerns and follow-up Trustees raised operational concerns about Aeries access (parents and students reporting inability to view grades and course selections). District leaders acknowledged the issue, said technology staff are addressing parent and student tickets, and committed to a March session with the board and IT to review Aeries functionality. Trustees also asked for improved outreach to parents and younger students (6th-8th grades) to boost earlier exposure to pathways and to reduce enrollment leakage to charter schools.
Why it matters: The EPG directs student course-taking and postsecondary options; adding dual-credit pathways and career skills for students with disabilities broadens access to graduation endorsements and college/work readiness. A timely and functioning Aeries rollout is crucial for counselors, parents and students to complete accurate course planning.
Ending: The board thanked the academic team and said it would consider the EPG for formal approval at the upcoming board meeting; trustees requested additional documentation on campus-level course offerings, teacher certification requirements for new practicums and a March update on Aeries.
