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
(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:
Career Ready Standards (public comment only) |
| November 2025 | Phase One MCS Career Clusters Proposed for SBE Approval |
| July 2025 – October 2026 | Career Clusters:
Career Ready Standards (public comment only) |
| November 2026 | Phase Two MCS Career Clusters Proposed for SBE Approval |
| July 2025 – October 2027 | Career Clusters:
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.
- June 2025 Information Memorandum (DOCX) - CTE MCS Update
- October 2025 Information Memorandum (DOCX) - CTE MCS Update
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.