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State board receives CTE cluster review recommendations; changes proposed for human services, marketing and transportation pathways
Summary
KSDE staff presented the results of five‑year Career and Technical Education (CTE) cluster reviews and recommended updates to three clusters — human services, marketing and transportation — for the 2026–27 school year, noting labor market alignment, pathway competencies and program quality criteria for state weighted funding and Perkins grants.
Kansas Department of Education CTE staff presented recommended updates to career cluster and pathway definitions on June 11 after a months‑long review process involving business, postsecondary and secondary educators.
What KSDE presented: staff said the state uses a high‑quality CTE framework (based on national ACTE research) and a pathway approval process that requires districts to document standards alignment, work‑based learning, community partnerships and measurable outcomes. For the 2025–26 approval window KSDE processed 3,478 pathway applications representing 276 of 286 Kansas districts (96.5% participation). Districts that receive an approved state pathway become eligible for additional state weighted funding (0.5 FTE equivalent for qualifying courses) and can apply for Perkins federal grants to enhance pathways.
Cluster review recommendations: KSDE’s review committees recommended changes in three clusters to go into effect for 2026–27.
- Human services (family, community, and consumer sciences): reviewers recommended re‑stranding technical courses to clarify concentrations in comprehensive family and consumer sciences, nutritional services, and mental and behavioral health. The committee also emphasized industry credentials (e.g., CDA) for early childhood programs.
- Marketing and sales: changes were largely competency updates and a decision to combine overlapping courses (for example, digital marketing and principles of advertising) into a single course to increase participation and reduce duplication.
- Transportation, distribution and logistics: updates included revised aviation maintenance technician courses and an expanded diesel/heavy equipment track and a CDL entry‑level driver training option targeted at seniors. KSDE staff highlighted the importance of diesel and heavy equipment pathways to meet state labor demand.
Why it matters: Approved state pathways are a prerequisite to receive the additional 0.5 weighted funding and to qualify for Perkins federal funding flows. Perkins funding for 2024–25 was roughly $4.7 million issued to local recipients with additional state leadership and reserve grants for statewide initiatives.
Next steps: The recommendations were posted for public comment and reviewed by the Kansas advisory council for CTE; KSDE asked the board to receive the recommendations in June and to act in July on proposed changes. Staff said they will continue yearly labor‑market monitoring and work with postsecondary partners to align dual‑credit and credential opportunities.
