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Aurora East USD 131 outlines ISBE career‑pathway endorsements and upcoming applications
Summary
District staff described existing Illinois PACE endorsements (education and welding), student interest survey results, and plans to apply for culinary, CNA and EMT pathways for 2025–26, noting approvals hinge on community‑college partnerships.
Aurora East USD 131 staff told the board on Dec. 1 that the district is using the Illinois PACE framework and intends to pursue additional college‑and‑career pathway endorsements recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education.
Nikkita Stewart, director of college and career readiness, told the board the PACE framework “was developed last year and shared at the June curriculum board meeting” and is already used by Illinois education agencies. Stewart said the district uses a SchoolLinks student interest survey; the top five career interests for students this year are health care, entertainment, public service, entrepreneurship and manufacturing/construction.
Stewart said the district currently has two recognized endorsements — elementary and secondary education (under the human and public services pathway) and welding (under manufacturing, engineering, technology and trades). She outlined applications the district plans to submit for the 2025–26 cycle, including culinary arts, certified nursing assistant and emergency medical technician pathways, and listed longer‑term interests such as automotive, business entrepreneurship, fire science, criminal justice and broadcast technology.
A board member asked how long ISBE approval takes. Stewart replied that the 2025–26 applications depend on dual‑credit arrangements and approvals from community colleges and industry partners, naming examples of partnerships the district pursues to secure required dual‑credit and articulated credit agreements. She said some students already attend related programs through partner providers, but ISBE requires formal dual‑credit and industry experiences for endorsement recognition.
Board President thanked Stewart for leading the district’s dual‑credit expansion and said the board wants to continue expanding AP and credential opportunities for students.
Next steps: District staff will pursue ISBE applications and finalize dual‑credit partnerships; specific application timelines and partner agreements were described as contingent on college approvals.
