SCS/SBs 44 & 63 - This act provides students the opportunity to choose between the ACT Workkeys assessment or ACT assessment, including ACT Plus Writing, in any school year in which the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education directs a state-funded census administration of the ACT assessment. (Section 160.572) This act provides that each school district may rely on technical coursework and skills assessments developed for industry-recognized certificates and credentials when entering into partnerships with certain entities to develop and implement a pathway for students to engage in career and technical education. (Section 162.1115)
These provisions are identical to provisions contained in HCB 4 (2017), HB 94 (2017), SCS/HB 253 (2017), HCS/SCS/SB 300 (2017), SS#2/SCS/SB 313 (2017), and HCS/SB 434 (2017).
The act provides several definitions related to career and technical education and states that the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council shall annually review, update, approve, and publish a list of industry certifications, state-issued professional licenses, and occupational assessments.
The Career and Technical Education Advisory Council shall annually review, update, approve and publish a list of industry certifications, state-issued professional licenses, and occupational assessments. The list shall be submitted to the State Board of Education for evaluation of course credit. (Section 170.028)
These provisions are similar to provisions contained in HB 188 (2017) and HCS/SC/SB 300 (2017), and substantially similar to those contained in SCS/HB 253 (2017), SS#2/SCS/SB 313 (2017), and HCS/SB 434 (2017).
This act also modifies the composition of the Career and Technical Education Advisory Council by adding the director of the Department of Economic Development, or his or her designee.
The Council is required to encourage local employers to participate in college and career fairs hosted by local school districts, and to cooperate with local school districts to ensure that the curriculum for the career and technical education certificate includes programs of study and course offerings that will lead to industry-recognized certificates or credentials. (Section 178.550)
These provisions are similar to provisions contained in HB 188 (2017), HCS/SC/SB 300 (2017), and HCS/SB 434 (2017) and identical to those contained in SCS/HB 253 (2017) and SS#2/SCS/SB 313 (2017).
JAMIE ANDREWS