Career and Technical Education (CTE) refers to organized educational programs that:  

• Provide a sequence of courses with rigorous academics and technical skills for careers in high-demand fields.
  
  

• Lead to technical skill proficiency or recognized credentials (e.g., certificates or associate degrees).
  
  

• May include prerequisite (non-remedial) courses.
  
  

• Incorporate hands-on, applied learning to build academic, technical, problem-solving, and employability skills.
  
  

• Coordinate secondary and postsecondary education through programs like dual enrollment or credit transfer agreements.
  
  

• May start career exploration as early as middle school or high school.

The Kansas Career Cluster Guidance Handbook36 reviews organized educational activities that offer a sequence of courses that provide individuals with rigorous academic content and relevant technical knowledge and skills needed to prepare for further education and careers in current or emerging professions, which may include high-skill, high-wage or in-demand industry sectors or occupations. 

The handbook contains: 

• Course Design Sheets for all Kansas Career Cluster Pathways 

• The Kansas Career Clusters and Pathways Chart 

• The Pathway CIP Codes 

• The chart of Pathway Crossover Courses 

• Kansas Career Clusters Terminology 

• Information on creating Program Improvement Plans with SMART Goals