The MS Licensure Commission convened on November 1, 2024, to discuss significant updates to the Career and Technical Education (CTE) licensure guidelines. The meeting, led by Brett Robinson and supported by Tanya Gibson, focused on revising the titles of 12 endorsement areas and modernizing the language used throughout the guidelines.

The first agenda item involved a proposal to change the term "vocational" to "career and technical education" across the CTE licensure document. This change aims to align the endorsement titles with current educational terminology and practices. Robinson emphasized the need for consistency between the names of endorsements and the corresponding curricula.

The commission also discussed adding approval statements for endorsement areas that are no longer being issued, as well as incorporating a veteran teacher experience statement into the career pathway software development endorsement. This addition is intended to provide more flexibility for applicants and enhance the pool of qualified teachers.

Further discussions included broadening the candidacy pool for specific endorsement areas. The commission proposed updates to the curriculum for the diesel service technician and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning endorsements, which would include additional occupational options. These changes are designed to assist school districts in finding quality teachers.

Lastly, the commission decided to streamline the process of revising course names within endorsements. By removing specific course names from the guidelines, the commission aims to reduce the frequency of required approvals for curriculum updates, which occur approximately every five years.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to approve the proposed changes, marking a significant step in modernizing Mississippi's CTE licensure framework. The commission's efforts reflect a commitment to improving educational standards and supporting the state's workforce development initiatives.