What is Career and Technical Education?
A program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.
What are Career and Technical Education Programs of Study?
Education Code Section 51226 provides legal authority to develop the CTE standards and framework. This legislation requires the development and adoption of CTE standards that incorporate the integration of career technical and academic education no later than June 1, 2005. The original CTE Model Curriculum Standards were adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) on May 11, 2005. The standards, written for grades seven through twelve, specify learning goals in 58 career pathways organized around 15 industry sectors. Career Technical Education Programs of Study take these standards and organize them in a two year course sequence. These courses offer seamless progression towards meaningful business and industry training, encourages work-based learning and includes industry-valued credentials.
What are NAF Pathways?
NAF pathways are structured as small, focused learning communities that fit within and enhance high school systems. NAF promotes open enrollment for its academies in order to maximize every student’s chance at a successful future. NAF pathways consist of two years of study plus a paid internship component and culminates with NAFTrack certification. NAFTrack Certification demonstrates that a student has achieved the highest levels of college and career readiness through their NAF academy. Created by education and business leaders, it measures student performance through career-related coursework, internship performance, and successfully completing high school.
Can Career and Technical Education students earn college credits while in high school?
Yes. CTE offers several Dual Enrollment options in more than one pathway. Dual Enrollment courses refer to high-school courses that have gone through curricular alignment with a community college. Students in dual enrollment courses will receive regular credit per course. For example, if a “regular” high school course earns five credits, the dual enrollment version of that course will earn five credits on the PAUSD transcript. Grades, upon completion of the course, will be weighted similarly to AP or Honors classes in weighted GPA calculations, as they are rigorous courses that have gone through an alignment process with the community college.
What are PAUSD’s completable pathways?
All Career Technical Education courses earn CTE credit. PAUSD students must complete 10 units (or two semesters) of CTE credits in order to graduate. In addition to completing their CTE graduation requirements, students can elect to take an additional year of CTE courses in a specific pathway - which makes them pathway completers. Once a student is a pathway completer, they can earn additional industry-recognized certifications. Currently, PAUSD offers completable pathways in:
- Design, Visual, and Media Arts
- Production and Managerial Arts
- Performing Arts
- Business Management*
- Child Development*
- Engineering Design
- Biotechnology*
- Software and Systems Development
- Games and Simulations
- Systems Diagnostics, Service, and Repair (Auto)
- Multiple Pathways
*indicates a pathway that is only available at one high school site. Please visit our Secondary Pathways Handbook for more information.
