Longview Board approves 4-year CTE plan, 2-credit sequencing for graduation pathways

The Longview School District Board of Directors on March 24 approved the district—our-year Career and Technical Education (CTE) plan and the district pplication of two-credit sequencing courses as a graduation pathway.

The board voted to approve the plan and the two-credit sequencing portion after a presentation by Bill Austin, the district irector of CTE and assessment, who described program offerings, enrollment trends and next steps for state approval. "There are two flavors," Austin said of two-credit sequences, explaining the difference between single-program-area sequences and the multi-program area sequences that require board approval and final OSPI sign-off.

The approval matters to students and families because two-credit sequences provide an alternate graduation pathway that can lead to dual credit or an industry-recognized credential. Austin told the board that middle-school CTE enrollment is stabilizing "in the mid 40 [FTE]" and that high school CTE had grown to about "the 380 FTE" range in recent years before a recent decline tied to certification challenges. He said the district is expanding dual credit articulations and is pursuing agreements with Lower Columbia College (LCC), Spokane Falls, and Clark College for selected programs.

Austin reviewed CTE program areas and where courses are offered across district campuses, noting that transportation between campuses enables course access without duplicating offerings. He described growth in career-technical student organizations and said the district is seeking more articulations to expand dual credit opportunities. "This report hits the board calendar," Austin said; he noted that multi-program two-credit sequences require OSPI final approval after board action.

Board members asked about student access, equity in enrollments, and how the new high school-and-beyond planning tools will integrate with CTE. Austin said the district is rolling out a new high school and beyond digital system to better track student pathways and that counselors will use the CTE materials to advise students. He also said the district continues to strengthen program evaluation, advisory committees and educator certification.

Following discussion, a board member moved approval of the four-year CTE plan and the two-credit sequencing portion and a second was recorded. The board recorded the motion as passed.

The district will submit the approved sequences to the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for final authorization where required and continue work on dual credit articulations with local colleges.

Board members said they want ongoing updates as dual-credit approvals and the high school-and-beyond rollout proceed.