200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-10-3.8

Current through December 3, 2024

Section 200-RICR-20-10-3.8 - Appendix 1: Rhode Island Career and Technical Education Career Preparation Program Standards

3.8.1Rhode Island Career and Technical Education Career Preparation Program Standards

A. The Rhode Island Career and Technical Education Program Framework and the United States Department of Education (USDOE) Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) Program of Study Design Framework informed the development of the Rhode Island Career and Technical Education (CTE) Career Preparation Program Standards. Rhode Island's Career Preparation Program Standards support the development and implementation of effective career preparation programs. These program standards shall guide the planning, implementation and improvement of career preparation programs and shall be the criteria that form the basis of the review and approval process.

B. Career preparation program standards shall be clearly and fully communicated to all LEAs and establish expectations in areas that include but are not limited to:

1. policies and procedures,

2. partnerships

3. program operations

4. staffing, certification, and professional development

5. curriculum, instruction and technical skill assessment,

6. supplemental and support services, and

7. secondary to postsecondary transition.

C. While it is the expectation that all career preparation programs will be designed and implemented to meet the qualities described in §3.2.1 of this Part, career innovation programs may seek modification or adaptation only against the following standards:

1. Staffing, Certification and Professional Development;

2. Curriculum, Instruction, and Technical Skill Assessment; and

3. Secondary to Postsecondary Transitions. Career innovation programs must petition the Commissioner for flexibility in meeting these standards prior to submitting a request to RIDE for program review and evaluation.

3.8.2Policies and Procedures

A. Administrative policies and procedures promote Career and Technical Education preparation program development and implementation.

B. Local Education Agency (LEA) policies will:

1. Include formal procedures for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of career preparation programs.

2. Clearly describe admissions, policies and procedures, selection criteria, enrollment conditions, and appeals processes.

3. Ensure that all students have opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials whenever applicable to the program, and/or postsecondary credits, and/or advanced standing in training programs or jobs.

4. Ensure the review and evaluation of student outcome data including achievement gaps.

3.8.3Partnerships

A. Ongoing relationships among secondary and postsecondary education, business, families, special populations and other community stakeholders are central to career preparation programs.

B. Collaborative partnerships will:

1. Include formal and/or informal relationships as necessary for supporting quality programs.

2. Reflect the community and be representative of key stakeholders.

3.8.4Program Operations

A. Career preparation programs shall operate with appropriate supports and resources necessary to meet or exceed OSHA and program-specific standards and quality.

B. Career preparation programs will:

1. Ensure the health and safety of students at all school and technical facilities used for instruction and training.

2. Provide access for students to adequate and appropriate facilities, equipment, and supplies.

3. Ensure that facilities and equipment used for instructional or training purposes are current with business and industry standards.

4. Provide all students with access to up to date technology.

3.8.5Staffing, Certification, and Professional Development

A. Career preparation programs ensure students have access to sufficient instructional staff qualified in the knowledge and skills necessary to provide rigorous academic and technical instruction.

B. High quality preparation programs ensure:

1. Teacher certifications will meet RIDE Educator Certification regulations.

2. Staffing levels are consistent with program requirements and/or business and industry standards and sufficient to meet the needs of students.

3. Teachers or instructors are trained in the academic and technical knowledge and skills aligned to industry standards in areas to which they are assigned.

4. Teachers and instructors remain current in academic and technical skills through participation in regular professional development activities.

3.8.6 Curriculum, Instruction and Technical Skill Assessment

A. Innovative and creative approaches to secondary curriculum, instruction, and assessment facilitate students' successful completion of career preparation programs and transitions to postsecondary education and training careers.

B. A comprehensive and rigorous career preparation program curriculum will:

1. Align to state adopted academic standards and skills.

2. Include experiences and instruction necessary for all students to attain work-readiness and fundamental technical knowledge and skills.

3. Ensure a minimum of three non-duplicative courses, or the equivalent, that result in opportunities for earning industry-recognized credentials whenever applicable to the program, and/or postsecondary credits, and/or advanced standing in training programs or jobs.

C. Effective instruction and learning strategies will:

1. Integrate academic, technical, and industry standards, knowledge, and skills.

2. Employ contextualized work-based, project-based, and problem-based learning approaches.

D. Well-developed technical skills assessments will include:

1. Multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate technical skill proficiency.

2. National and/or industry-approved technical skills assessments offering opportunities to earn industry-recognized credentials whenever applicable to the program.

3.8.7 Supplemental and Support Services

A. Comprehensive supplemental services enable all students to access academic, personal/social, and career supports to maximize their potential for success.

B. Supplemental support service systems will ensure:

1. Students have access to the system of supports and services described in state statutes and regulations.

2. Students have the opportunity to engage in a goal setting and planning process that supports their academic, career, and personal/social goals and individual needs.

3. Students have access to the services provided through a Comprehensive School Counseling program.

3.8.8Secondary to Postsecondary Transition

A. Effective programs ensure that students graduate college- and career-ready and are prepared to transition to postsecondary education and training and careers.

B. To prepare students for postsecondary success, effective programs:

1. Align curriculum with applied learning and career readiness skills, state adopted and nationally recognized academic standards, and industry-recognized technical standards.

2. Provide student access to career-based and work-site learning experiences.

3. Provide students with embedded credit earning opportunities that integrate academic and technical skill development opportunities.

4. Maintain formal articulation agreements with higher education and business partners that earn students early college access and/or access to postsecondary training programs or job placement.

200 R.I. Code R. 200-RICR-20-10-3.8