OCDE unveils Inclusive CTE initiative to expand career technical education to vulnerable students

The Orange County Department of Education presented an Inclusive Career Technical Education initiative on Jan. 8, detailing plans to expand CTE access for vulnerable students and to partner with districts, colleges and industry to create durable career pathways.

Kathy Boyd, director of the Career Technical Education and Postsecondary Advancement Unit, told the board that OC Pathways and CTE programs have grown since earlier vocational models and now connect middle and high‑school students with community colleges, four‑year institutions and employers.

“We're focusing on a powerful goal, amplifying student voice and choice so every student can succeed in their chosen career pathway regardless of circumstances,” Boyd said. She described classroom examples in which engineering students prototyped tactile geometry aids and a student with autism finding a pathway in information and communication technology.

Nut graf: The department presented participation and target figures and an implementation framework — district‑lead supports, co‑teaching models for CTE, industry partnerships and an innovation/essential skills group — aimed at reaching thousands of county students who staff identified as vulnerable.

Numbers and targets

- Orange County serves about 437,000 TK–12 students; roughly 217,000 are in grades 7–12 where CTE is most relevant. - The department said about 91,000 students (approximately 42% of 7–12 students) are engaged in CTE programs. - Staff cited participation rates among vulnerable groups: about 46% for students receiving special education services, about 37% for English learners, 39% for homeless and foster youth, and 49% for other vulnerable groups — figures staff used to illustrate growth opportunities.

Boyd said the initiative brings together special education, student‑support services and CTE experts, and will pilot practice changes in districts with established CTE programs. She described a 30/60/90‑day action plan and invited trustees to the OC Pathway Showcase on Feb. 27 at the fairgrounds.

Board reaction and next steps

Trustees praised the presentation and discussed possible health‑career pathways; Superintendent Dr. Bean and board members asked staff to explore partnering with local colleges on medical‑assisting and LVN pathways. Boyd said students will be invited to testify at a future meeting to show program impact.

Ending: The presentation was informational; trustees voiced support and directed staff to return with implementation updates and student voices.