The best career and technical education programs are those that include work-based learning opportunities.1 The Texas Education Agency recognizes this by including practica, which can include internships and co-ops, in the 3rd and 4th years of many of the approved, state-wide programs of study.
The Foundation recommends that the Legislature pass legislation that allows secondary CTE allocations to be used by school districts to outsource to the community paid internships and apprenticeships that serve as practica within a pro- gram of study. It should also consider increasing the amount of the allotment that school districts are required to spend on CTE programs from 55% to 85%. HB 3 set the minimum at 55% (Texas Education Code §48.106(c)).