Dilley ISD also collaborates with McMurry University to support students who may face challenges with the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) testing. This test is required to demonstrate college readiness in core academic subjects, and for some students, it can become a barrier to continuing their college coursework. “Because it’s a private institution, they have a little bit more leverage and leeway when it comes to the actual TSI testing for college entrance,” expands Tribett. This additional option not only helps more students earn postsecondary credentials, but it also helps to bring financial support to the district.Tribett relays,“With early college high school and P-TECH, if you get your associate degree, you qualify for what are called outcome bonuses.” He notes that these funds can be reinvested in CTE programs to expand equipment, staffing, and new course offerings. Interested students will also be eligible for advanced standing in the military. “If we can get them their associate degree, they qualify to go straight in as a Warrant Officer, a technical officer in the military, a higher pay grade,” he explains. “So, they could be flying helicopters right out of high school.” This strategy also plays a part in maintaining Dilley ISD’s high performance on state accountability ratings. The results speak for themselves. For the past three to four years, Dilley ISD has consistently scored 94% or higher on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR), a number well above regional and state averages. “That’s our bread and butter here at Dilley High School,” Tribet notes. CDL TRAINING AND WORKFORCE SOLUTIONS Among Dilley’s unique offerings is its commercial driver’s license (CDL) program. With an ideal location along major transportation routes and a strong blue-collar work culture, the district has tapped into a real workforce need. This popular program offers a pathway to immediate, high-paying job opportunities for students graduating high school. “It does serve a need for us here, more so than in big cities,” acknowledges AJ Cantu, CTE CDL Instructor. Through partnerships with Workforce Solutions and awareness of local employer needs, students 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 07
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