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CTE Model Curriculum Standards/Framework Update

Information on the development of the updated Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards and Framework (MCS).

The California Department of Education (CDE) is initiating the process of updating the Career Technical Education (CTE) Model Curriculum Standards (MCS) and Framework to bring California into alignment with the Advance CTE National Career Clusters Framework External link opens in new window or tab. (PDF). This framework serves as the foundation for CTE programs in every state and is used for reporting processes at the national level. This alignment will ensure California's CTE programs stay current, skills-based, and aligned to current workforce needs.

By Career Cluster

The CTS MCS will be rolled out in three phases (see Timeline below). The CTE MCS Career Clusters listed below are revised drafts that will be presented to the State Board of Education (SBE) for approval in November 2025.

Arts, Entertainment & Design (DOCX)
Management & Entrepreneurship (DOCX)
Marketing & Sales (DOCX)

Career Ready Standards

The Career Ready Standards are universal for every CTE MCS career cluster. The CDE plans to open the Career Ready Standards for each public comment session in the phased approach to ensure that all career clusters are able to provide input.

Public Comment

Public Comment is closed for Phase I, Phase II will open in Spring 2026.

Timeline

The CTE MCS update will be implemented through a phased approach.

Dates* Activities
January 2021 – March 2025

Project Planning and Initiation

CDE Internal Workgroup: Alignment of California’s CTE Framework with Advance CTE

March 2025 – October 2025

Career Clusters:

  • Arts, Entertainment, and Design
  • Management and Entrepreneurship
  • Marketing and Sales

Career Ready Standards (public comment only)

November 2025

Phase One MCS Career Clusters Proposed for SBE Approval

July 2025 – October 2026

Career Clusters:

  • Digital Technology
  • Education
  • Energy and Natural Resources
  • Financial Services
  • Hospitality, Events, and Tourism
  • Public Safety and Services

Career Ready Standards (public comment only)

November 2026 Phase Two MCS Career Clusters Proposed for SBE Approval
July 2025 – October 2027

Career Clusters:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Agriculture
  • Construction
  • Healthcare and Human Services
  • Supply Chain and Transportation

Career Ready Standards (public comment only)

November 2027 Phase Three MCS Career Clusters and Career Ready Standards Proposed for SBE Approval

*Dates are subject to change.

Public Documents

Access official documents, reports, and resources related to the CTE MCS revision process. Documents will be posted here as they become available for public review.

State Board Items-The California State Board of Education (SBE) agenda, minutes, and documents related to the updated CTE MCS, including SBE actions and decisions.

California Workforce Pathways Joint Advisory Committee (CWPJAC) Items - The CWPJAC agenda, minutes, and documents related to the updated CTE MCS.

  • Item 03 (DOCX) - Update on the development of the new CTE MCS presented to the CWPJAC at the July 11, 2025 meeting

Join Our List Serve

Subscribe to receive regular updates about the CTE MCS revision timeline, public meetings, and document releases. Stay informed about important developments and opportunities for input.

To subscribe to the CTE MCS listserv, send a "blank" message to: join-CTEMCS@mlist.cde.ca.gov

To unsubscribe to the CTE MCS listserv, send a "blank" message to: unsubscribe-CTEMCS@mlist.cde.ca.gov

Inquiries

Please direct your questions about the CTE MCS update process to our project team by emailing CTEMCS@cde.ca.gov. We're here to provide clarification and support throughout the update process.

The project team also holds regular Office Hour meetings, if you are interested in attending an Office Hour meeting, please send an email to CTEMCS@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Career and College Transition Division | CTEMCS@cde.ca.gov
Last Reviewed: Thursday, October 23, 2025
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