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Harlandale ISD reports growth in career-and-technical pathways; 34.7% of seniors had earned IBCs as of April 28
Summary
District staff said Harlandale offers 24 programs of study and 35 industry-based certifications, reported a 34.7% IBC earned rate among seniors as of April 28 and outlined steps to boost students' certification completion through four-year plans, training for teachers and student supports.
Harlandale ISD trustees heard a progress report on industry-based certifications (IBCs) and career-and-technical education (CTE) pathways, including recent program changes and supports intended to raise certification rates.
Presenter Miss Guerrero told trustees Harlandale offers 24 programs of study and 35 distinct IBCs. As of the April 28 presentation, 3,021 students in grades 9–12 were enrolled in CTE courses. The district reported 754 seniors this year (down from 950 the prior year), with 515 seniors taking CTE courses and 469 attempting an IBC. Guerrero reported that 262 seniors had earned IBCs as of April 28, yielding a 34.7% earned rate.
Guerrero reviewed changes in how the district counts an "earned" IBC: for the current reporting year, students must pass at least two aligned CTE courses (2 credits) in the program of study; next year the requirement will increase to passing three courses (4 credits) plus the IBC assessment. To increase completion rates the district has streamlined programs of study and introduced four-year plans so students follow a sequence of courses that leads to an IBC.
Other supports Guerrero listed include translated one-page IBC guides for families, paying student testing and retest fees for students who demonstrate effort in review, assistance obtaining state IDs (including trips to the DMV), requiring teachers to hold relevant industry certifications where vendor rules allow, and specialized teacher training and vertically aligned curricula.
Trustees asked about wait lists and capacity: Guerrero said the district monitors demand and has increased middle-school outreach to help students select sustainable pathways, noting some programs see early interest but high attrition. Trustee Cavazos asked about enrollment trends and wait-list thresholds; Guerrero said the district has begun those conversations in middle schools for about two years and continues collecting data. Trustees commended the district for gains at Harlandale High (38% of seniors earned IBCs last year) and for outreach to other districts visiting Harlandale to study the CTE program.
The presentation was informational; no board vote was required.
