Should I use Special Topics or Local Need?

Available within each six-digit CIP Code, a Special Topics course should be used only
when course content does not exist in a current WECM course. The Special Topics
course is provided for temporary use or transitional content. The college
specifies discipline-specific learning outcomes for the Special Topics course.
Topics may address recently identified current events, skills, and knowledge
pertinent to the technical area and relevant to the occupational development of
the student. Special Topics courses are identified by a “9″ in the
third digit of the course number. Although THECB approval is currently not
required for the content of a Special Topics course, audit penalties may apply
if colleges are not very careful to include only legitimate workforce education
content and avoid non-fundable community education courses. Colleges must
submit a Special Topics form through the electronic submission process prior to
the end of the semester in which the course is offered.

A Local Need course may be used to respond to unique local or regional conditions
or to regulatory changes. Content that will be offered repeatedly over several
years is most appropriate for Local Need status. Evidence of need for this
course must be substantiated by support from business and industry in a
specified geographical area. The Local Need course form should only be
submitted if the course is offered consistently over a period of time, rather
than intermittently as with a Special Topics course. A Local Need course must
be submitted to the THECB and approved prior to instruction to qualify for
state funding. Local Need courses are identified by a “7″ in the
third digit of the course number. The annual THECB course edit will verify
whether colleges have submitted all Local Need course forms.