CTE Pathways: Definitions and Coding Guidance

Introduction

Federal and State standards are part of a continuum that has the same overarching goal - to prepare all students for success after graduation. Federal and state policies ensure that every student has access to high-quality CTE programs and are prepared for their future careers. Federal guidelines set the foundation for equity and access, while state guidelines focus on rigorous preparation for the workforce. By working together, California's CTE programs ensure both equity and effectiveness.

The College/Career Indicator (CCI) reflects this alignment by including college/career-readiness measures, highlighting the shared commitment to student success.

Updates

• Removed the 300-hour pathway completion requirement. The 300-hour pathway completion requirement was removed at the request of the Office of Career Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) from the United States Department of Education during their April 2023 visit. Additional information on the 300-hour minimum requirement removal is available on the Perkins V Plan 2024-27 Updates for Public Comment webpage.

Background

Federal and state requirements establish the framework for CTE pathway requirements.

Federal Requirements

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), enacted July 31, 2018, defines a CTE concentrator at the secondary school level as "a student served by an eligible recipient who has completed at least 2 courses in a single career and technical education program or program of study" (20 U.S.C. § 2302(12)(A) (PDF)). This federal definition replaced the previous Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act (Perkins IV) non-regulatory guidance that suggested a concentrator definition of "three (3) or more credits in a single CTE program area, or two (2) credits in a single CTE program area, but only in those program areas where 2 credit sequences at the secondary level are recognized by the State".

California State Requirements

California Education Code Section 51226 provides legal authority to develop the CTE standards and framework, requiring the development and adoption of CTE standards that incorporate the integration of career technical and academic education. Education Code Section 51226.1 specifies that the framework will prepare pupils for both career entry and matriculation into postsecondary education.

In California's CTE system, students complete a pathway through "a sequence of two or three courses with a final capstone course" and "to complete a CTE pathway, a student must earn a grade of C− or better in the pathway's capstone course". California requires that students complete a capstone course to be considered pathway completers, with capstone courses being captured in student information systems for accurate reporting for CCI purposes.

Current Requirements

Federal guidelines specify that a student must complete two courses within a CTE pathway sequence to be considered a concentrator. This ensures that students are not only introduced to a career field but also gain depth of knowledge and skill within the program of study. State guidelines specify that a student must complete a capstone course within a CTE pathway sequence to be considered a completer.

Key Definitions

The key definitions are derived from the CTE Framework (PDF).

Course Types:

• Introductory - Provides foundational knowledge and broad exposure to an industry sector.
• Concentrator - Offers in-depth instruction and skill development in a specific pathway or career area.
• Capstone - The culminating course in the sequence, requiring students to synthesize and apply their learning. Capstone courses are required for CCI recognition.

Student Level:

• Participants
  • Definition - Students who take a single CTE course in a pathway or across multiple pathways.
  • Purpose - Identifies students who begin CTE coursework but may not complete the pathway or sub pathway sequence.
• Concentrator
  • Definition - In accordance with federal terminology, a Concentrator is a student who has successfully completed two courses within a specific career pathway or sub pathway.
  • Purpose - Students completing two designated courses within a pathway or sub pathway, meet the current federal requirement for concentrator. If the two courses include a capstone course, the student will be included in the Local Educational Agency's (LEAs) CCI.
• Completion Indicator (California specific)
  • Definition - Students who complete all required courses in a pathway or sub pathway, one of which must be a capstone course.
  • Purpose - Students who have completed a pathway sequence with a capstone are recognized on CCI.

Capstone Course Criteria for CCI Indicator

To be recognized in the CCI, a capstone course within a CTE program of study must meet the following criteria as outlined in the 2025 Dashboard Technical Guide: CCI.

CTE Pathway Completion Definition - CTE pathway completion consists of completing a capstone course, with a grade of C minus or better.

The capstone course serves as the culminating course in the sequence, requiring students to synthesize and apply their learning. Capstone courses are required for CCI recognition and must be flagged in student information systems to ensure accurate reporting for CCI purposes.

For detailed information about CCI measures and criteria, refer to the CCI Dashboard Toolkit (PDF).

For question(s) regarding the California Department of Education's (CDE) Dashboard reach out to Dashboard@cde.ca.gov for assistance with your concerns.

CTE Course Requirement Coding Changes

• Program of Study Coding - Each program of study should be coded according to its primary industry sector and pathway, using the California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System (CALPADS).
• Course Sequence - Programs must document the sequence of courses (introductory, concentration, capstone) offered, ensuring that the capstone is clearly identified as the final course.
• Capstone Identification - Capstone courses must be flagged in student information systems to ensure accurate reporting for CCI purposes.