Why AchieveTexas?
Rigorous academics plus relevant career education equals success.
Everything’s bigger in Texas. That’s why the next step in reforming education
is a new initiative called AchieveTexas. With the help of school counselors,
teachers, staff, parents, and employers, every student in the state will achieve
success in school, career, and life.
The Basics
AchieveTexas combines rigorous academics with relevant career education to prepare
Texas students to compete—and win—in the global marketplace. The cornerstone of
the initiative is the establishment of programs of study based on the 16 national career
AchieveTexas
clusters. Although not every school will be able to offer all 16 clusters, the goal is to have
schools transition to a career cluster model. At A Glance
The 16 AchieveTexas in Action cluster guides (see page 7) offer students information

for the careers available in each cluster, and the level of education and experience
The ConCepT
required for specific jobs. Each cluster guide includes charts and graphics designed to
students can succeed
give students a clear picture of career opportunities, plus advice from Texans currently
in school, career, and
working in many of those related careers. There’s also a quick quiz to help students get an
life if they plan their own
idea of whether a particular cluster is right for them, and a realistic look at typical salaries
individual programs of
and projected job growth in Texas for 25 sample occupations within a cluster.
study for secondary and
postsecondary education.
What’s new?

The difference between the AchieveTexas approach and current career education
The philosophy
activities is that the resources are organized by cluster and integrated throughout the
no secondary or
curriculum. As part of their coursework, students at all grade levels have the opportunity
postsecondary option is
to learn about different careers and the specific skills and training required for various
intrinsically better than
professions.
another. Whether a choice is
AchieveTexas doesn’t end with high school graduation. The focus is on lifelong
right or not depends on the
learning for lifetime success. Students are encouraged to view learning as a process
personal objectives of the
that begins in pre-kindergarten and spans a lifetime. Learning about careers, setting
student.
secondary and postsecondary education goals, and mastering rigorous academics
are all part of this ongoing process to prepare students for educational achievement,
The Goal
meaningful careers, and active participation in their communities.
to prepare students for
college and career, and to
What Won’t Change
allow students to choose an
AchieveTexas extends Tech Prep’s relevant career preparation activities. AchieveTexas
education plan that is best
aligns with the state’s 4x4 graduation requirements and relevant career electives
for their goals and talents.
appropriate for a student’s career goals including students with special needs.
As with any new initiative, you probably have questions about how the requirements
will affect your role and responsibilities. A number of issues raised by counselors are
addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions section on pages 12–13.
AchieveTexas in Action: Counselor’s Guide ©2007 by the Texas Education Agency. All rights reserved. Page 1
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