Chandler Unified outlines K–12 CTE expansion and launches two‑year semiconductor program pilot

Chandler Unified School District officials on Feb. 26 presented an update on Career and Technical Education (CTE) expansion across K–12 and detailed plans to pilot a two‑year semiconductor technologies program at Hamilton High School.

CTE director Lindsay Duran and Emerging Technologies coordinator Janet Harkoff walked the governing board through a multi‑year, K–12 pathway that the district is rolling out: career awareness in K–5, career exploration in grades 6–8 and CTE professional skills and technical courses in grades 9–12. Doctor Jessica Edgar opened the session describing district work since 2019 to align career literacy standards and to add pilot sites at the elementary and junior‑high levels.

Duran said Chandler currently operates 21 CTE programs across its six high schools and described program design as “more than just a class,” explaining programs are typically two‑year sequences combining core academic knowledge, program‑specific technical skills and professional (employability) standards. She said district funding mixes federal Perkins funds, state CTE…