Transformational Learning Opportunities:

Virtual & Online Schooling:

• Though Texas lacks a statewide virtual school, a significant portion of the state's online education is facilitated by the Texas Virtual School Network (TXVSN). TXVSN offers online learning opportunities through two key programs: a comprehensive statewide course catalog featuring high school courses (including Advanced Placement and dual credit), and the full-time TXVSN Online Schools (OLS) program designed for students in grades 3–12.

• Multiple school districts across the state offer online programs and provide supplemental courses for students.

• Castleberry Independent School District, El Paso Independent School District, Socorro Independent School District, and Stephenville Independent School District are members of the Digital Promise League of Innovative Schools, giving over 110,000 students in the state access to digital learning. The League of Innovative Schools is a national network of school leaders in 150 districts in 38 states that aim to enhance and scale digital learning opportunities for students across the nation.

Digital Learning Resources:

• The Texas Parks & Wildlife department has a unique statewide initiative to offer virtual learning programming to students via TPWDiscover. They offer virtual programming, encompassing both live and recorded sessions, across STEM, social studies, language arts, fine arts, and physical education, all integrated with a focus on natural and cultural resource management.

• Curious about your district’s internet access? ConnectK-12 provides state- and district-specific information on access to the recommended bandwidth speeds and monthly internet costs.

Career & Technical and/or Work-based Education:

• Texas has a focus on CTE, offering a variety of programs that equip students with job-ready skills in various trades. Work-based learning, which integrates classroom instruction with real-world work experiences, is a growing component of CTE programs.

• In 2013, HB 5 restructured Texas' graduation requirements, allowing students to earn endorsements in specific areas of study by completing four additional credits. The endorsements align with 16 career clusters, including STEM, Business and Industry, Public Service, Arts and Humanities, and Multidisciplinary.

• In 2023, HB 1755 established the Lone Star Workforce of the Future Fund, offering funding for education and skills training programs targeting middle-skill jobs in high-demand industries. The bill also backs initiatives such as internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning.

Personalized, Competency- and/or Mastery-based Learning:

• Across the state, multiple districts provide personalized or blended learning models, despite no statewide effort. Houston ISD, Clear Creek ISD, Klein ISD, and Dallas ISD are a few examples of districts that provide personalized learning programming, while Cisco ISD and Pasadena ISD provide blended learning options for students.

Innovation Schools, Zones, and/or Districts:

• In 2015, Texas has enacted legislation to take the lead on personalized learning through their Districts of Innovation Program, which gives districts flexibility to tailor the school to the student, not the student to the school. Currently, there are 973 Districts of Innovation across the state.