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MSDE outlines Career Connected Learning system, plans Jan. 30 convening and spring pilots
Summary
MSDE previewed a statewide Career Connected Learning system emphasizing flexible CTE 'core‑flex' pathways, industry recognized credentials and apprenticeships, and announced a Jan. 30 launch convening, six spring pilots and a data‑infrastructure push over the summer.
MSDE officials told the State Board they are building a coordinated Career Connected Learning (CCL) system to expand student access to apprenticeships, industry recognized credentials (IRCs), dual enrollment and other pathways. Richard Kinkade, MSDE assistant state superintendent for college and career pathways, and Tracy Kittle, director of apprenticeships and IRCs, presented a plan they said is grounded in the state strategic plan and prior investments.
Kittle highlighted lessons from a $12,200,000 Maryland Works investment that informed the CCL design and said the system is intended to remove structural barriers—transportation, master‑schedule constraints, language and regional employer availability—that have limited participation. "That's going to include students participating regardless of transportation access, regardless of the number of intervention blocks…or the regional differences in employer availability," Kittle said.
MSDE described four CCL components, including scheduling flexibility, braiding of existing initiatives, and a CTE core‑flex model that allows districts to mix school‑based courses, community college offerings and apprenticeships so students can be "both/and" rather than forced into single tracks. Presenters used local examples (Damascus High School auto program, Prince George's Community College ASD certification, and Frederick County shop expansion tied to youth apprenticeships) to show how districts can expand IRC attainment and apprenticeship participation.
The agency announced implementation milestones: a statewide convening on January 30, six pilot sites in the spring to beta‑test program and data changes, summer work on data infrastructure for 2027–28 alignment, and a broader statewide forum in October to scale the effort. MSDE said support materials—FAQs, student personifications and targeted groups (special education, advanced academics, counselors)—will accompany the rollout.
Board members welcomed the approach and asked MSDE to ensure school counselors remain central to implementation. Miss Medina asked MSDE to "make sure that voice in particular is really highlighted"; MSDE said the January convening will invite five key district positions including school counseling supervisors to define clear roles and 'swim lanes.' The agency also said it will collaborate with the governor's office on a rubric to recognize promising schools.
MSDE asked districts to participate in pilots and learning sessions and said it will share guidance and supports with LEAs as the system is socialized. The board encouraged outreach to parents and implementation partners to ensure community understanding and buy‑in.
