Nebraska CTE Standards

1. Standards Aligned Curriculum

The development, implementation, and revision of the program of study curriculum, including the relevant knowledge and skills taught in the program and the standards on which they are based.

2. Sequencing & Articulation

Key components of the definition of a program of study and the articulation, coordination, and collaboration that support programs of study, career pathways, and accelerated learning.

3. Student Assessment

The types and quality of assessments used in the program of study, including the types of knowledge and skills that should be assessed, and assessments that lead to recognized post-secondary credentials.

4. Prepared & Effective Program Staff

The qualifications and professional development of program of study staff, including secondary CTE teachers, postsecondary CTE faculty, administrators, and other personnel.

5. Engaging Instruction

The instructional strategies within a student-entered learning environment that support student attainment of relevant knowledge and skills.

6. Access & Equity

Program of study promotion, student recruitment, and strategies that support access and equity for various student populations, including gender, race, and ethnicity, and special population status (e.g., disability, economic disadvantage, and language learners).

7. Facilities, Equipment, Technology, & Materials

The alignment, appropriateness, and safety of the physical/material components of the program of study, including laboratories, classrooms, computers, industry-specific equipment, and tools and supplies that support learning.

8. Business & Community Partnerships

Business and community partner recruitment, partnership structure, and the wide variety of activities partners should be engaged in to support the program of study and ensure programs are aligned with workforce needs. 

9. Student Career Development

Strategies that help students gain career knowledge and engage in education and career planning and decision-making, including career counseling, career assessments, curricula that helps students learn about careers, information about educational opportunities and workforce trends, and job search information/placement services. 

10. Career & Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)

CTSOs, organizations for individuals enrolled in CTE programs, that engage in activities as an integral part of the instructional program, including the delivery and availability of CTSO opportunities for student skill and leadership development.

11. Work-Based Learning

The delivery of a continuum of work-based learning involving sustained, meaningful interactions with industry or community professionals that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field. Experiences may be delivered in workplaces, in the community, at educational institutions, and/or virtually, as appropriate, and include a range of activities such as workplace tours, job shadowing, school-based enterprises, internships, and apprenticeships. 

12. Data & Program Improvement

The collection, reporting, and use of data for continuous evaluation and program improvement, as well as appropriate access to relevant data.