UC Approves Increasing Number of Courses With Career and Technical Education Focus

Although some courses with a CTE element are unlikely to be approved as "a-g" subjects because UC does not offer baccalaureate programs in their specific area, or because they are not considered appropriate preparation for University-level study, the University recognizes the value of CTE courses in preparing students for a full range of postsecondary options after high school.

At a recent event promoting the expansion of multiple pathways for high school students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell praised UC for clarifying its guidelines on CTE-type courses.  He said he has requested that all California superintendents and high school principals review their course offerings to determine if their current CTE courses can be submitted to qualify for "a-g" approval.

The University's enhanced guidelines for developing new courses and revising existing courses to align with clarified criteria can be found at the "a-g" Guide website.

Teachers can participate in designing model CTE courses by applying to join the Curriculum Integration Project, funded by the California Department of Education. Teams of at least two teachers, one academic and one career-technical, will work together to create model courses that blend academic study with career and technical education.

:: For more information on the Curriculum Integration Project, including how to participate, read the article Curriculum Integration Pilot Project News and Application.

Picture a high school physics course that covers the essential concepts of motion, energy and thermodynamics — and then has students further investigate the principles of physics through designing and fabricating robotic systems. Or a geometry course in which students build a home to help master concepts related to angles, parallel and perpendicular lines, volume and surface area.

Students can benefit from these courses because they simultaneously prepare for both academic pursuits and career opportunities. Increasingly, courses that combine the rigor of academics with the relevance of career and technical education (CTE) have gained UC approval as satisfying the "a-g" subject requirements for admission.

UC has approved more than 5,600 courses that include a CTE focus and is updating its a Doorways website, with more detailed guidance so that submitted courses which integrate rigorous academics with technical and occupational knowledge have even better chances of approval. The newly published criteria, along with an expanded section for developing CTE courses specifically to satisfy "g" elective subject requirements, can be found online: College Preparatory Elective Courses, Including CTE Guidelines.

Courses have been approved in business, engineering, health sciences, and media and entertainment, among others areas.

The clarified criteria and the enhanced guidance for schools wishing to develop CTE-type courses are a result of the University of California's and the California State University's efforts, beginning in 2006, to clearly state their support for these courses and ways in which they may be integrated with college-preparatory courses.

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