The KDE Office of Career & Technical Education serves as the central hub for CTE resources. 

Key Resources Found on the Site:

• Program of Studies (POS): Outlines the required courses and standards for each Career and Technical Education pathway to ensure alignment with industry and postsecondary expectations.

• Valid Industry Certification Lists: Provides a list of industry-recognized certifications that align with CTE pathways and contribute to student career readiness and program accountability.

• State CTE Supplemental Funding Guidance: Details the criteria and processes for accessing supplemental state funding to support CTE programs and pathway implementation.

• Pathway Phase-Out Notifications: Communicates updates on CTE pathways scheduled for phase-out, including timelines and transition guidance for affected programs.

• Working with Exceptional Children in CTE: Provides guidance and resources for supporting exceptional children in CTE programs, ensuring inclusivity and equitable access to career pathways.

• TRACK: Tech Ready Apprentices for Careers in Kentucky: A youth apprenticeship program connecting students with industry partners to gain hands-on experience and earn credentials while in high school.

• Elementary School Career Resources: Offers tools and activities to introduce career exploration and awareness at the elementary level, fostering early interest in future pathways.

• Middle School Career Resources: Provides resources to help middle school students explore career options and build foundational skills for high school CTE pathways.

• Work-Based Learning: Supports the implementation of work-based learning opportunities, such as internships and co-ops, to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

The KDE Law & Public Safety Website provides educators with essential resources, program updates, and tools to support Law & Public Safety pathways across Kentucky.

Key Resources Found on the Site:

• LPS Newsletters: Regular updates, deadlines, and professional growth opportunities for educators in Law & Public Safety programs.

• Programs of Study and Valid Industry Certifications: Documents outlining course sequences and certifications to ensure program alignment with industry standards.

• Law & Public Safety Courses: Access course listings for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years to support pathway implementation.

• KY Fire Commission Apprenticeship Skill Sheets: Resources for Fire Science programs, including Apprenticeship I and Apprenticeship II skill sheets.

• Fire Science CTE2KCTCS Articulation Application: Guidance on articulation agreements to help students earn postsecondary credits.

• Request an LPS Consultant Meeting: An option to connect with KDE staff for program-specific questions or support.

• Helpful Links: Includes access to Accountability and CTE resources and details on Career Pathways within the Top 5 Industry Sectors.

KY CTE Network: Law & Public Safety Teachers
Stay connected and collaborate with fellow educators through key platforms and resources designed to support Law & Public Safety teachers in Kentucky.

• Law & Public Safety Newsletter: Please subscribe to the quarterly LPS Newsletter to receive important updates, training opportunities, resources, etc. direct from the OCTE LPS Program Consultant.

• Private Facebook Group: KY CTE Network: Law & Public Safety Teachers – A private group where LPS educators share resources, ask questions, share wins, and stay updated on program developments.

• Google Classroom for LPS Teachers: Gain access to valuable instructional materials and program updates. To join, contact Erica Settelen, KDE Law & Public Safety Program Consultant, for the Google Classroom code.

• LPS Contact Sheet: Access the list of active Law & Public Safety instructors organized by pathway. To view the sheet, contact Erica Settelen for access: LPS Contact Sheet.

• LPS Archived Newsletters: Please visit our KDE LPS webpage to locate our archived LPS program area newsletters. This will also be sent directly to you via email if you're subscribed.

Additional Resources for Networking & Collaboration
These external pages and groups offer excellent opportunities for resource sharing, networking, and idea exchange. Please note: these are NOT officially affiliated with KDE.

Forensic Science

• Forensic Science Teachers – Collaborative Group

• Forensic Science Society

• National Forensic Science Teachers

• Criminology: Forensics, Profiling, DNA, Cyber Crime, Interrogations, and Law

Criminal Justice & Law

• Teachers of Criminal Justice

• Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN)

• US Department of Homeland Security

• Kentucky Women’s Law Enforcement Network

Fire Science & EMS

• Lawrence Co. High School Fire Science Academy

• Kentucky EMS Professionals

Kentucky Educator Resources

• Kentucky Teachers in the Know

General CTE & Technology Resources

• CTE Teachers

• AI for Teachers

• MagicSchool – AI Empowered Teachers

FB Pages to Like/Follow

• KY Department of Criminal Justice Training

• KY Fire Commission

• KCTCS

KYStats CTE Reports

The Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYStats) offers two powerful, interactive tools designed to support CTE educators, employers, and workforce partners across the Commonwealth:

📊 Career and Technical Education Feedback Report (November 2024)

This dynamic report explores trends in high school CTE participation across Kentucky and connects them to real-world outcomes. Users can examine how CTE engagement influences employment and postsecondary success later in life. It also includes insights on training locations and projected demand for key career fields.

View the CTE Feedback Report 

🔗 Career and Technical Education Employer Connector (July 2024)

Designed to build bridges between industry and education, this tool helps employers and schools identify active CTE programs nearby. It offers filters by program area, region, and distance—plus data on current enrollment, co-op eligibility, and 12th-grade student participation.

Explore the Employer Connector 

When planning pathways for students to earn college credit during high school, it is important to understand the distinction between dual credit and articulated credit.
Both options help students transition to postsecondary education, but they differ in timing, process, and transcript practices.

Dual Credit

• Students are enrolled in a college course while still in high school.

• Upon successful completion, students earn both high school and college credit at the same time.

• College credit is immediately transcripted by the postsecondary institution.

• Courses must meet the quality standards outlined in the KDE Approved CTE Dual Credit Guidance, including alignment to approved CTE pathways, qualified instructors, and equivalent rigor to on-campus offerings.
  
  

Articulated Credit

• Students complete aligned high school coursework but do not earn immediate college credit.

• After high school graduation, students must enroll in the participating college and submit documentation (such as transcripts, certifications, or portfolios) to have credit applied.

• Credit is awarded after enrollment and may require meeting specific conditions set by the articulation agreement.

• Articulation agreements are currently being pursued for both the LE Services Pathway and the Pre-Law Pathway with private and public institutions. These pathways DO NOT currently offer articulated credit.
  
  

In summary, dual credit results in an immediate college transcript while still in high school, whereas articulated credit delays official awarding of college credit until after enrollment at the college.

KCTCS Articulation Agreements for Fire Science Pathway Students
The KCTCS Fire Science Articulation Agreements allow high school Fire Science students to earn college credit for completed coursework, helping them transition seamlessly into postsecondary education.

 Key Information Found on the Site:

• Eligibility Requirements: Students must complete high school Fire Science courses with a grade of B or higher, provide required documentation, and enroll at a KCTCS college within three years of graduation.

• Credit Equivalencies: A table outlines high school Fire Science courses, their KCTCS equivalent courses, and associated credit hours.

  • Examples Include:

    • POS Courses- Basic Firefighting I → FIR 101 Basic Firefighting I & CPR/First Aid courses (5 credit hours).

    • POS Course-Co-Op/Internship → FIR 198 Practicum with 180 contact hours (3 credit hours).

    • POS Course-Emergency Medical Responder → FIR 215 Emergency Medical Responder (3 credit hours).

• Application Process: Steps for applying to KCTCS, submitting documentation (completed "CTE2KCTCS" form + Official high school Transcript), and claiming credits for prior learning. This is submitted on the KCTCS landing page linked at the top of this section. Please select the blue Credit for Prior Learning button to complete the request and attach the required documentation.

• Contact Information: Details for KCTCS support to assist with questions or next steps in articulation agreements.

• KCTCS AAS Fire Science Technology Advising Form (as of February 2023): Advising form to assist in informing students on what is completed through their HS fire science program and what courses remain.

• KCTCS to EKU Crosswalks: Post-Secondary Agreements for KCTCS to EKU transfers.

The Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN) is a national organization dedicated to supporting educators, programs, and students in Law and Public Safety pathways across the nation.

Key Resources Found on the Site:

• Curriculum: lesson plans and resources tailored to Law and Public Safety programs.

• Professional Development: Information on training opportunities, conferences, and workshops to help educators strengthen their programs.

• Certifications and Credentials: Guidance on industry-recognized certifications and the POC for industry certs developed by LAPSEN that are on our KY Valid Industry Certification List. **Note: Not all LAPSEN exams are on the KY list please visit the industry certification page of this website to confirm.

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with a nationwide network of LPS educators, industry partners, and program leaders.

• Resources for Programs: Tools for program development, advisory committees, and student recruitment strategies.

Active LPS Instructors-
OCTE pays an annual fee that allows Kentucky LPS teachers free access to LAPSEN’s member-only resources. To access these materials, visit the LAPSEN website, create an account and use promo code ky2023 for your FREE membership!