Midway ISD Unveils Strategic Enhancements in Career and Technical Education, College Readiness Programs

Midway ISD is taking significant strides in preparing students for the future through its evolving College and Career Readiness (CCR) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. In a presentation to the Board of Trustees during its regular February meeting, Midway ISD Federal Programs Director Jess Wheeler outlined updates, successes, and strategic initiatives designed to enhance student opportunities for both college and career pathways.

Midway ISD continues to expand its CTE programs to align with labor market trends and student interests. The district now offers 14 career clusters and 60 programs of study, providing students with a structured path to industry-based certifications and workforce readiness.

Several new programs have been introduced, including:

• Exercise Science, Wellness, and Restoration
• Real Estate
• Updated Engineering Pathways: Engineering Foundations, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and Electrical Engineering
• Diagnostic & Therapeutic Services, which consolidates multiple healthcare-related programs

Additionally, Midway ISD is preparing for Robotics and Automation Technology courses, set to launch soon.

"Our CTE programs are designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application,” Wheeler said. “By expanding pathways and ensuring industry alignment, we’re giving students a head start in their future careers—whether they choose to enter the workforce directly, continue their education, or pursue industry certifications."

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) recently revamped the structure of CTE pathways. Notably, STEM as a career pathway has been dissolved, with engineering, computer science, and biomedical science now housed within their respective career clusters.

Further, TEA is modifying how industry-based certifications contribute to College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR). Certifications will now be tiered based on labor market data, categorized as either in-demand and high-wage, in-demand or high-wage, or not meeting either indicator. Students must complete three or more courses totaling four or more credits and earn a Tier 1 certification to be deemed fully CCMR-ready.

"We want every student to leave Midway ISD feeling confident in their career readiness,” Wheeler said. “The TEA’s updated certification process ensures students are earning credentials that are not only valuable but also recognized in high-demand industries."

Midway ISD remains committed to ensuring all students graduate with a strong foundation for college and career success. Key initiatives include:

• Enhancing teacher industry connections to provide real-world application in classrooms.
• Aligning district programs with labor market trends while keeping student interests at the forefront.
• Expanding hands-on learning experiences to make learning more relevant and engaging.

"We’re not just focused on getting students across the graduation stage—we’re focused on what happens next,” Wheeler said. “Whether they go to college, straight into a career, or explore trade opportunities, we want them to have meaningful choices."

Midway ISD’s CTE students are also giving back through practical services, including:

• Free income tax services for staff
• Doggie Day Spa & Care
• Printing and graphic design services
• Red, White, and Brew – a student-run coffee shop.

For more information on Midway ISD’s College and Career Readiness initiatives, visit midwayisd.org/programs-services/career-technical-education.