Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Career Technical Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
State boards endorse shared CTE vision and adopt statewide CTE course standards
Summary
The State Board of Education adopted a set of statewide career and technical education standards covering 14 career clusters, 48 programs of study and 152 courses and AIB/MSDE leaders outlined a shared vision that centers registered apprenticeships as the "gold standard." The adoption sets implementation steps, industry validation and professional
Maryland'''s State Board of Education approved new statewide career and technical education (CTE) course standards during a joint session with the Accountability and Implementation Board, marking a major step in aligning high school CTE programs with employer needs and the state'''s Blueprint for Maryland'''s Future.
MSDE and partners presented a standards package that covers 14 career clusters, 48 programs of study and 152 courses. The standards were developed through a broad, inclusive process that included 1,196 named contributors from education, business and industry, and state workforce boards, according to MSDE presenters. The CTE committee and the Governor'''s Workforce Development Board participated in development and validation.
MSDE described the standards as forward-looking, emphasizing stackable industry-recognized credentials, options for dual enrollment and stronger links to registered apprenticeship programs. During the meeting Richard Kinkade, MSDE'''s CTE lead, framed the high school level registered apprenticeship as the system'''s "gold standard," combining classroom instruction (at least 144 related hours) with paid on-the-job training (at least 250 hours) and pathways to employment.
The board'''s action authorizes MSDE to publish implementation guidance, program-of-study guides and to work with LEAs on professional learning and employer partnerships as school systems transition to the new standards. Staff described a phased approach that includes technical assistance, professional development for teachers and employer engagement to validate credentials and align instruction with local labor market needs.
Why it matters: The standards provide uniform statewide expectations for CTE programs and aim to increase equitable access to high-quality career pathways, including apprenticeships and industry-recognized credentials. Adoption moves Maryland toward a system where students across districts have clearer, consistent opportunities to earn credentials and college credit tied to workforce demand.
What comes next: MSDE will publish program guides, host professional learning and issue timelines to help LEAs implement the standards; MSDE and the CTE Committee said they will monitor employer validation and implementation equity while reporting progress to both boards.
Speakers (selected): Richard Kinkade, MSDE (CTE) ; Myra Norton, Chair, CTE Committee, Governor'''s Workforce Development Board; Chair Leggett (AIB); President Michael (State Board); Dr. Kerwin (AIB vice chair).
