A new resource from Advance CTE provides state leaders with a framework to use when integrating core subjects with CTE programs. After conducting a national landscape scan, the researchers identified three pillars essential to academic-CTE integration.
- Supportive Policies: These policies lay the foundation for integration through course sequencing, standards alignment and similar initiatives. In Delaware, CTE programs of study that apply to receive approval and funding must directly link the program’s technical standards to related academic standards. Similarly, for an Ohio CTE program to be considered exemplary by the state’s education department, it must integrate academic content into its curriculum.
- Enabling Policies: Building upon supportive policies, enabling policies work to remove barriers that may prevent the implementation or expansion of integrated academic and CTE programs. Modifying high school graduation requirements is one area states have been actively engaging with. For instance, Oregon recognizes applied academic credit earned through some CTE courses while Arkansas allows students to substitute core academic requirements with specific CTE coursework. Offering flexible guidance for teacher credentialing is another way states can bridge academic and CTE coursework. The Idaho Division of CTE, for example, has developed a resource detailing how core subject teachers can transition to CTE teaching.
- Implementation Supports: Once supportive and enabling policies are in place, the focus shifts to implementation and translating policy to practice. This primarily looks like offering professional development opportunities that prepare teachers and administrators to integrate CTE and academics. In Hawai’i and New Mexico, CTE teachers in each state are being trained to include math and numeracy-related skills into their courses. New York’s CTE Technical Assistance Center offers a specialized professional learning community focused on integrated academics.
In addition to the framework and state program examples, Advance CTE also compiled a repository of state resources focused on academic-CTE integration, including crosswalks, graduation requirements and relevant state legislation.
