Career and Technical Education. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that begins with exploration of career options and supports basic academic and life skills. CTE instruction is delivered through programs at middle and high schools, through approved online courses, and at skill centers, the regional instructional venues that provide access to comprehensive, industry-defined CTE programs that prepare students for careers, employment, apprenticeships, and postsecondary education.
Core Plus. Core Plus is a two-year CTE instruction program that is designed to prepare students for a structured pathway to employment in one of three sectors: aerospace/advanced manufacturing; construction; and maritime. Core Plus instructional materials are vetted by industry partners and are approved for classroom use by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).
To be eligible for funding to start up, expand, or maintain a Core Plus program a skill center or school must be selected through a grant process administered by OSPI. Additional funding is provided for OSPI to administer, evaluate, and promote Core Plus programs based on industry sector recommendations, including:
OSPI must collaborate with industry sector leadership from the Core Plus program areas and a representative from a statewide business and manufacturing association to inform the administration and continual improvement of Core Plus programs, review data and outcomes, recommend program improvements, ensure programs reflect current industry competencies, and identify appropriate program credentials.
Allied Health Professions Program. OSPI, is directed to develop an Allied Health Professions Career and Technical Education Program (Allied Health Program) for providing instruction to students who are pursuing industry-recognized nondegree credentials that: lead to entry level positions in allied health professions, and lead or articulate to either related, recognized nondegree credentials or two or four-year degrees, or both. OSPI must develop this Allied Health Program in collaboration with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the Department of Health, the Health Workforce Council, a statewide organization representing career and technical education, representatives from the allied health industry, and representatives from labor organizations representing allied health professions.
The curriculum and other instructional materials for the Allied Health Program must be available for optional use in school districts and skill centers beginning in the 2027-28 school year and reflect consideration of:
In meeting the obligations related to the Allied Health Program, OSPI must:
After the Allied Health Program is established, OSPI must convene and collaborate with an advisory committee consisting of industry leadership from the allied health sector, representatives from a statewide entity representing businesses in the sector, and representatives from labor organizations representing employees in allied health professions for the purpose of:
OSPI is authorized to adopt and revise rules as necessary for the implementation of the Allied Health Program and associated responsibilities.
Statewide Career and Technical Education Task Force. The Statewide CTE Task Force (Task Force) is established in OSPI with the following eight members:
The SPI or the SPI's designee must chair the Task Force, and staff support for the Task Force must be provided by OSPI. Provisions establishing the Task Force and prescribing its duties expire June 30, 2026.
The Task Force must develop recommendations for:
In making recommendations on a CTE Core Plus model framework, the Task Force must consider, at a minimum the following:
The Legislature does not intend for the recommendations of the Task Force to modify the operation of CTE Core Plus programs established prior to January 1, 2024.
The Task Force must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature, and the State Board of Education by November 15, 2025.
The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: We need to find more opportunities for students outside of the school environment because students grow in a holistic manner. This bill tries to give them more opportunities in healthcare. There are serious healthcare gaps in Washington and at the local level. This program is unique because it focuses on the local community aspect and looking at where we can fill gaps and get students excited. The fields of long-term care, medical assistants, physical therapy, and sports medicine are all areas of need. We also need to look at expanding the CTE structure because as times change we have different needs. This bill represents the next step when looking at the skill center world. It has been thrilling to see the growth of this program. It first started as 12 pilot sites serving 580 kids and has grown to over 100 sites services 5,600 kids. These programs have positive outcomes for students and employers and will stimulate many lasting partnerships. A designated healthcare person should be on the task force.
None.