2024 Advance CTE Fall Meeting

The modernized National Career Clusters Framework offers opportunities to further modernize CTE systems by encouraging more interdisciplinary and interconnected CTE programs of study and experiences across learner levels. These ideation sessions will offer a space for participants to engage in collaborative thinking and problem solving to help move the needle on key policies, practices, and partnerships to jumpstart the adoption and implementation of the newly released Career Clusters Framework.

Increasing awareness of and participation in work-based learning (WBL) requires structures and communications that are digestible, accessible, and persuasive for all actors involved in these experiences. This session, intended for both new and experienced CTE leaders, will highlight the support and deliverables created through a technical assistance partnership between Advance CTE and the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to shape the future of work-based learning in the state. Attendees will gain effective strategies and lessons learned on knowledge building and partner engagement as well as tailoring work-based learning structures and communications to consider geography, cultural history and consideration, employer needs, and more. 

Learning objectives:

• Share the process and outcomes of Alaska’s and Advance CTE’s technical assistance partnership centered on work-based learning frameworks and communication tools. 
• Provide guidance to states on cultivating processes and mindsets that enhance access to and awareness of work-based learning opportunities among learners, families, and work-based learning partners. 
• Elevate options or Advance CTE to provide tailored technical assistance to advance digestible and accessible work-based learning frameworks and communications.

While Perkins V opens new doors in offering career readiness experiences for younger learners, providing meaningful experiences for this age group requires strong collaboration within and across education, industry, and community partners.  In this session, participants will explore different approaches to implementing CTE programs and activities in elementary and middle grades. Participants will hear from pioneering state leaders who have successfully integrated career awareness and exploration aligned to in-demand industries into earlier grade levels. This session will provide practical strategies, best practices, and lessons learned from states at the forefront of early CTE implementation.

Learning objectives:

• Participants will explore a strategy for implementing CTE in middle school.
• Participants will identify key considerations and potential challenges in developing and expanding CTE programs for younger learners.
• Participants will apply learnings to their current approach to integrating CTE in respective states.