About the TSSB
The Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) was established by the Texas Legislature in 1995 as an 11-member advisory board to the Governor and the Legislature. The members, who are appointed by the Governor, consist of:
- 7 Business and industry representatives
- 2 Labor representatives
- 1 Secondary education representative
- 1 Postsecondary education representative
Mission
The TSSB is charged with the development of a statewide system of industry-defined and industry-recognized skill standards for major skilled, sub-baccalaureate occupations with strong employment and earnings opportunities. Consistent with the mandate and objectives of the TSSB, the purpose of a Texas system of voluntary skill standards is to strengthen the ability of Texas’ industry to be competitive in the global economy.
Role and Major Functions
The TSSB’s role is to facilitate and promote the Texas skill standards system by serving as a liaison between industry groups and community and technical colleges in the development and usage of skill standards. The TSSB’s major functions include:
Skill Standards Development and Recognition
- Convene industry groups to develop new skill standards
- Validate existing, nationally-established industry standards.
- Provide quality assurance by recognizing skill standards based on TSSB-established validity and reliability criteria.
Skill Standards Awareness and Usage
- Promote the use of standards and credentials in curriculum development.
- Provide technical assistance to community and technical colleges to integrate skill standards in their workforce programs.
Skill Attainment: Certification and Credentialing
- Recognize workforce programs of Texas community and technical colleges that have integrated skill standards into the curriculum.
- Facilitate the portability of skills by recognizing standards and credentials across states and nations.
Meetings
The TSSB meets at the call of the Chair, currently twice a year in fall and spring. For 2012, the TSSB will meet on Tuesday, May 15 and Tuesday, October 23 in Austin.
