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TSSB Recognizes Programs at Texas State Technical College Waco

October, 2009 - The Texas Skill Standards Board (TSSB) granted program recognition to the Nanotechnology and Solar Energy Technology Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degrees at Texas State Technical College (TSTC) Waco. The programs were recognized as being integrated with the Nanotechnology Technician and Distributed Renewable Solar Energy Technician skill standards, respectively.

The skill standards enhanced programs, which were endorsed by their industry advisory committees, will benefit both employers and graduates. Graduates will gain the work competencies—skills and knowledge—that employers have agreed are required for success in nanotechnology and solar energy positions. Employers in turn will gain a more qualified workforce.

The Nanotechnology Technician and Distributed Renewable Solar Energy Technician skill standards define the knowledge and skills that are required for employees in these emerging technology occupational areas. The standards were developed from job analyses that were completed by industry subject matter experts. The draft standards were then validated by industry representatives through the use of online surveys. TSTC Waco facilitated the skill standards development process. The skill standards are available for viewing on the TSSB website at www.tssb.org.

Meagan Cooper, Laser Electro-Optics/Nanotechnology Instructor, and Sidney Bolfing, Renewable Energy Technologies Coordinator, were responsible for integrating the skill standards into the Nanotechnology and Solar Energy Technology AAS Degrees, respectively. For their efforts, the college received two $5,000 Skill Standards-Based Curriculum Development Incentive Project awards. The incentive awards, which are granted upon completion of deliverables, including integrating skill standards into curriculum and receiving TSSB Program Recognition, were administered by Del Mar College out of Perkins State Leadership funds from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.

Ms. Cooper and Mr. Bolfing took advantage of TSSB resources to complete the projects. They followed the TSSB’s recommended six-step process in the guidance document, A User’s Guide: Incorporating Skill Standards into Community and Technical College Curriculum, which is available for download from this web site. They also received technical assistance from TSSB staff, provided on site at the college.

Examples of the program recognition application materials submitted by TSTC Waco for TSSB recognition are available in the Community and Technical Colleges and Employers and Industry Groups sections of this website under the TSSB-Recognized Programs link.

For more information, please contact Anne Dorsey TSSB at (512) 936-8100.