The Articulation Agreement

Tech Prep education programs provide college-equivalent courses in high schools to serve qualified students who are interested in technical careers.  All courses identified to award college credit to high school students through Tech Prep must be based upon a written articulation agreement.

The Tech Prep articulation agreement is a signed document that indicates the specific responsibilities of the secondary school, the postsecondary institution, and the student.  The agreement is based on the student following an outline of the recommended high school graduation plan that leads to a two-year degree, two year certificate, or two-year apprenticeship (6-year plan).

The maximum amount of Tech Prep college credit that may be offered to high school students is 15 semester credit hours (SCH).  Although Tech Prep programs are designed to offer multiple entry and multiple exit points for students, Tech Prep college credit is contingent upon the student enrolling in the college within 15 months after high school graduation.  This requirement was initiated due to rapid changes in technology and instructional methods, and the retention of information that would be asked of students.

Student Requirements

A student's performance in the high school Tech Prep college course(s) must meet the program requirements detailed on the Tech Prep articulation agreement, and be consistent with the recommended high school graduation plan.   All articulated high school courses on the six-year educational plan--placed on file with TEA; must be completed with a grade of B or higher in order to qualify for Tech Prep college credit. 

A student must  complete the Transfer of Tech Prep College Credit (Student Petition) form with assistance from ISD counselor or career and technology education teacher.  The student should keep a copy of this form in order to initiate receiving college credit.  The student must also submit the Transfer of Tech Prep College Credit form along with their high school transcript to a college official to be awarded his/her Tech Prep college credit.

Transcripting of Credit

A student desiring a petition for Tech Prep college credit earned in high school must enroll at at DCCCD campus.  Also, the student must declare a major by filing a degree plan toward an associate degree or a certificate program.  Although students may be awarded Tech Prep college credit by filing any degree plan, they should be advised that following through with the Tech Prep program which began in high school, increases their opportunity for early graduation.  In addition, the student must attend classes up until the 12th class day before a college transcript can be generated.  The Tech Prep college credit will not be awarded unless the student is enrolled after the 12th class day.

Many high schools students will be eligible to receive their Tech Prep college credit upon enrollment as a result of participation in "dual credit" programs offered at a DCCCD college.  However, the individual colleges within the DCCCD retain authority over the granting of college credits to students who are participants in dual enrollment and articulated programs.

Tech Prep college credit award in high school may, or may not, transfer to a four year institution, but the student should be informed that it is their responsibility to consult with those institutions concerning specific transfer of credits.