Section 18-2-7d - Program in workforce preparedness(a) The Legislature finds that, in addition to specialized skills relating to specific professions and trades, students will be better prepared to enter the workforce and succeed in their chosen fields of employment or education by having the opportunity to participate in training related to general workforce preparedness, productive workplace skills and processes, time management and efficiency, and teamwork and leadership competencies in the workplace. The Legislature further finds that employers in the state are the best source for articulating the general skills and attributes they, in common, seek in future employees and that employers may collaborate in the development of a graduate profile incorporating these skills and attributes.(b) The state board shall promulgate a rule pursuant to §29A-3B-1 et seq. of this code that adopts a program of instruction in general workforce and career preparedness for all students. The program of instruction shall include guidelines for schools working through their local school improvement councils and business partners to communicate to students the knowledge, college and career skills and life characteristics needed for success in occupations and entrepreneurship in the changing world of work. At the middle school level, the program may be integrated with comprehensive career exploration which also may include, but is not limited to, Career Technical Education foundational courses, stand-alone Career Exploration courses and mini courses, field trips, guest speakers, and career mentors as provided in the state board rule.(c) Beginning with the school year 2022 - 2023, county boards of education shall provide elective Career Technical Education courses for middle school students that may include, but are not limited to, foundational Career Technical Education courses, Career Technical Education courses developed with a focus on high need occupational areas within the area or region, agriculture, industrial arts and family and consumer sciences.Amended by 2020 Acts, ch. 122 (HB 4790), eff. 6/2/2020.Added by 2019 Acts, ch. 97 (HB 2004), eff. 6/6/2019.