The Career to Pathways Act

SB43, The Career to Pathways Act, was introduced by Senator Jack Westwood. It is similar to the bill (SB32) introduced in the 2008 Kentucky General Assembly session. Last year’s bill, which did pass the Senate but was not considered by the House, was endorsed by the Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education (KACTE) , other Career and Technical Education (CTE) associations, and many supporters of CTE programs. The bill formally changes the name of programs from vocational education to CTE. It defines a “chronically low performing school” and requires such schools to implement comprehensive school reform plans stressing individual graduation plans and small learning communities. It directs the Department of Education to develop career readiness standards in English, reading and math. It authorizes CTE accessibility funds, career guidance coaches, career academies, and a CTE facilities fund, and it directs local districts include CTE capital needs in their facility plans. It calls for evidence-based models for at-risk students and establishing five regional training programs for teachers to learn the models. Those items requiring funding will be implemented when the money becomes available. For more information contact the Kentucky Department of Education or Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education.