THE ECHS/P-TECH STUDENT
                           P-TECH/ECHS students are motivated and have the determination 
                           needed to attend a challenging program that will enable them to:
                            Earn an associate’s degree or as many as 60 hours of tuition-free 
                            college credit
                            Eliminate thousands of dollars in college tuition costs while still in HS
                            Earn a four-year degree in much less time than their peers
      ARE  THESE PROGRAMS THE SAME? 
      WHY THE DIFFERENT NAMES?
      The main difference between programs is a 
      P-TECH is also required to provide 
      certification opportunities for their 
      students, so
       students can enter the job market, after 
        high school,  with a work-ready skills
       and they develop these skills through 
        programs with local business and 
        industry partners.  This is what we call 
        work-based learning.
      * Some ECHS programs offer certifications 
      as well. It’s just not required. 
        HOW ARE STAND ALONE PROGRAMS DIFFERENT FROM THE 
        SCHOOL WITHIN A SCHOOL MODEL ?
                                                                           School within a School Model
         Stand Alone P-TECH and ECHS
                                                                              Located in a traditional high school
             Located on the college campus
                                                                              Operate on the FWISD calendar but are also 
             Operate on the College calendar, not FWISD’s
                                                                                 accountable to the college calendar
             Students can participate in college clubs and 
               organizations                                                  Offers UIL sports and music on campus in 
                                                                                 addition to other typical activities
             Do not offer UIL sports or music, but do have clubs 
               and activities like dances and other events.                   Some college classes are given on the high 
             Some college classes are given on the high school                  school campus and some are taken at the 
               campus and some are taken at the college- either                  college- transportation is provided
               way, you just walk to class.                                   More elective choices are available for HS 
             Most of the elective classes that you take are dual-               credit, but you may not have time everything 
               credit.                                                           you want to do
    SO,  ABOUT THOSE COLLEGE CREDITS…
     Some important things to understand about dual credit:
       In order to take most dual credit classes in your ECHS or P-TECH program,  you must make a 
        qualifying score on a college placement test called the TSI. This is very important to your success in 
        the program and your ability to earn college credits. 
       High school requirements and college requirements for graduation are not always the same. You 
        may take a few course for dual credit that only count for one of your diplomas. For example, Texas 
        Government is required for an Associate of Arts degree but it is not required for high school 
        graduation. 
       Likewise, all classes that you take for an associate’s degree may not apply to the bachelor’s 
        program you end up doing. However, you will be better prepared for your continuing education and 
        you will have extra credits if you need them for elective hours.  All credits earned in these programs 
        are MONEY IN THE BANK! 
    DUAL CREDIT CLASSES ARE JUST DIFFERENT
     Attendance requirements are determined by the college, not the high school. You can’t be excused for just any 
      reason.
     The number of assignments required is up to the individual professor. Some may have 4 assignments for the 
      entire semester. Some may have 20. 
     The professor’s syllabus outlines the rules for the class. Each professor may have different rules about late 
      work, make-up assignments, how a test is taken, or how assignments are collected. FWISD rules DO NOT APPLY.
     Student accommodations for special needs or circumstances are handled through the college not your high 
      school. All accommodations that are offered in public school are not offered in college. 
     Parents are not allowed to contact the college professors. This is a student expectation and responsibility.
     Be prepared! College classes are taught at the college level. You will have more complex work and it is often 
      taught at a faster pace. Expect to be busy and stay organized!
     Tarrant County College reserves the right to remove any student from the college for attendance, disciplinary 
      and/or legal reasons,