# Career Pathways — Missouri K-12 Education Reference

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[K-5: Career Awareness] --> B[6-8: Career Exploration]
    B --> C[9-12: Career Preparation]
    C --> D[Post-Secondary: Career Advancement]
    B --> E[Individual Learning Plan]
    C --> F[CTE Program of Study]
    C --> G[Dual Credit]
    C --> H[Work-Based Learning]
    C --> I[Industry Credentials]
    F --> J[16 Career Clusters]
    D --> K[4-Year University]
    D --> L[Community College]
    D --> M[Apprenticeship]
    D --> N[Military]
    D --> O[Direct Employment]
```

## Table of Contents
1. Missouri Career Pathways Framework
2. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs
3. 16 Career Clusters
4. Dual Credit & Dual Enrollment
5. Industry-Recognized Credentials
6. Work-Based Learning
7. Registered Apprenticeships
8. Missouri Connections Platform
9. Area Career Centers
10. CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies)
11. CTE Student Organizations (CTSOs)
12. Perkins V Accountability
13. Post-Secondary & Workforce Transitions

---

## 1. Missouri Career Pathways Framework

### Overview
Missouri's career pathways model connects K-12 education, post-secondary education, and workforce development through structured sequences of courses, work-based learning, and credentialing.

### Career Pathway Components
1. **Career awareness** (K-5): exposure to careers, self-assessment, workplace visits
2. **Career exploration** (6-8): interest inventories, career research, job shadowing, ILP development
3. **Career preparation** (9-12): CTE concentrator/completer sequences, dual credit, work-based learning, industry credentials
4. **Career advancement** (post-secondary): college, certificate programs, apprenticeships, on-the-job training

### Individual Learning Plan (ILP)
- DESE recommends all students develop an ILP beginning in middle school
- ILP components: career interests, academic plan, CTE pathway selection, post-secondary goals, extracurricular activities
- Updated annually with school counselor guidance
- ILP aligns to Missouri Connections platform

---

## 2. Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

### Program Structure
CTE programs in Missouri are organized into Programs of Study — multi-course sequences within a career cluster that lead to a recognized credential or post-secondary pathway.

### CTE Concentrator vs. Completer
| Term | Definition |
|------|-----------|
| **CTE Participant** | Student enrolled in at least one CTE course |
| **CTE Concentrator** | Student who completes at least 2 courses in a single CTE program of study |
| **CTE Completer** | Student who completes the full sequence of courses in a CTE program of study |

### CTE Quality Indicators
- Alignment to industry standards and employer demand
- Advisory committee with industry representation
- Equipment and technology that reflects current workplace standards
- Teacher with industry experience and/or certification
- Work-based learning opportunities embedded in the program
- Industry-recognized credential attainment
- Post-secondary articulation agreements

---

## 3. 16 Career Clusters

Missouri aligns CTE to the national framework of 16 career clusters:

| Cluster | Example Pathways |
|---------|-----------------|
| **Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources** | Animal Science, Plant Science, Ag Mechanics, Food Science |
| **Architecture & Construction** | Construction, Design, Maintenance |
| **Arts, A/V Technology & Communications** | Graphic Design, Film/Video, Journalism |
| **Business Management & Administration** | Administrative Services, Business Information Management |
| **Education & Training** | Teaching/Training, Professional Support Services |
| **Finance** | Accounting, Banking, Insurance |
| **Government & Public Administration** | National Security, Public Management |
| **Health Science** | Nursing, Emergency Medical, Health Informatics, Biomedical |
| **Hospitality & Tourism** | Restaurants & Food Service, Lodging, Travel & Tourism |
| **Human Services** | Counseling, Early Childhood, Family & Community Services |
| **Information Technology** | Networking, Programming, Web Development, Cybersecurity |
| **Law, Public Safety & Security** | Law Enforcement, Fire Science, Legal Services |
| **Manufacturing** | Production, Manufacturing Production Process, Quality Assurance |
| **Marketing** | Marketing Management, Marketing Research, Merchandising |
| **Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics** | Engineering, Science & Math |
| **Transportation, Distribution & Logistics** | Automotive, Aviation, Logistics |

---

## 4. Dual Credit & Dual Enrollment

### Definitions
- **Dual credit:** student enrolled in a college course that earns both high school AND college credit simultaneously
- **Dual enrollment:** student enrolled at a college while still in high school (may or may not earn high school credit)

### Missouri Dual Credit Guidelines
- DESE provides guidance on dual credit partnerships between districts and colleges
- College course must be taught by a qualified instructor (meeting college's faculty credentialing standards — typically master's degree with 18 graduate hours in the content area)
- College sets admission/prerequisite requirements for enrollment
- High school transcript records both the high school and college course
- Weighted GPA: districts determine whether dual credit courses receive weighted GPA treatment

### Dual Credit Funding
- Tuition typically shared between student/family and district (varies widely)
- Some districts cover full tuition for dual credit; others charge students
- A+ scholarship may cover dual credit courses at community colleges
- Title IV-A funds may support dual credit (well-rounded education pillar)

### Quality Assurance
- NACEP (National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships) accreditation — gold standard for dual credit quality
- HLC (Higher Learning Commission) requires colleges to ensure dual credit courses are equivalent in rigor to on-campus courses
- Faculty qualifications, curriculum, assessment, and student support must match on-campus standards

---

## 5. Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRCs)

### What They Are
Industry-recognized credentials are certifications, licenses, or certificates awarded by industry organizations that validate specific occupational competencies. They enhance student employability and signal workforce readiness.

### Common IRCs Earned by Missouri CTE Students
| Credential | Industry Area |
|-----------|--------------|
| **ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)** | Automotive |
| **AWS (American Welding Society)** | Welding |
| **CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)** | Health Science |
| **CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+** | Information Technology |
| **ServSafe** | Hospitality/Food Service |
| **OSHA 10/30** | Construction/Manufacturing |
| **EPA 608** | HVAC |
| **Adobe Certified Professional** | Graphic Design/Media |
| **Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS)** | Business/IT |
| **CPR/First Aid/AED** | Multiple |
| **NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research)** | Construction |
| **Precision Exams** | Multiple CTE areas |

### IRC Accountability
- Perkins V tracks IRC attainment as a quality indicator
- MSIP 6 college and career readiness indicators include IRC attainment
- DESE maintains a list of recognized credentials for accountability purposes

---

## 6. Work-Based Learning (WBL)

### WBL Continuum
| Level | Activity | Description |
|-------|---------|-----------|
| **Awareness** | Guest speakers, career fairs, virtual tours | Low student commitment; career exposure |
| **Exploration** | Job shadowing, informational interviews, workplace tours | Medium engagement; career investigation |
| **Preparation** | Internships, clinical rotations, cooperative education, apprenticeships | High commitment; real-world application of skills |
| **Immersion** | Youth apprenticeships, capstone projects, entrepreneurship | Deep engagement; career launch |

### DESE WBL Guidelines
- WBL experiences must be connected to the student's CTE program of study
- Written training agreement between student, employer, school, and parent
- On-site supervision by a qualified mentor
- School-based coordinator monitors placement
- Student is assessed on both workplace competencies and related academic standards
- Child labor law compliance (federal FLSA + Missouri RSMo Chapter 294)

### Child Labor Laws
| Age | Restrictions |
|-----|-------------|
| **14-15** | Limited hours (3 hrs/school day, 8 hrs/non-school day, 18 hrs/school week, 40 hrs/non-school week); restricted occupations |
| **16-17** | Fewer hour restrictions; still prohibited from hazardous occupations (unless in approved apprenticeship) |
| **18+** | No hour or occupational restrictions |

---

## 7. Registered Apprenticeships

### Overview
Registered apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with related classroom instruction, leading to a nationally recognized credential from the U.S. Department of Labor.

### Youth Apprenticeship
Emerging model in Missouri connecting high school students to registered apprenticeship pathways:
- Student begins apprenticeship while still enrolled in high school
- Earns wages, high school credit, and progresses toward journeyperson credential
- Common sectors: construction, manufacturing, IT, healthcare
- Missouri Division of Workforce Development supports youth apprenticeship expansion

### Pre-Apprenticeship
Structured programs preparing students for entry into registered apprenticeships:
- Academic preparation (math, reading, applied skills)
- Industry exposure and basic skills training
- Career readiness (soft skills, workplace expectations)
- Pathway to apprenticeship application and acceptance

### Missouri Apprenticeship Resources
- Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) — apprenticeship team
- U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship (Kansas City regional office)
- Missouri Apprenticeship Council
- apprenticeship.gov — national apprenticeship finder

---

## 8. Missouri Connections Platform

### Overview
missouriconnections.org — Missouri's free career planning platform for all Missouri residents (emphasis on K-12 students).

### Features
- Career assessments (interest inventories, skills assessments, values)
- Career profiles (salary, education requirements, job outlook, Missouri-specific data)
- College and program search (2-year, 4-year, technical schools)
- Military career explorer
- Financial aid information and scholarship search
- Resume builder and portfolio tools
- Job search tools
- ILP (Individual Learning Plan) development tools

### Integration with Schools
- School counselors can assign career assessments and review student results
- Portfolio tracks career exploration activities across grades
- Data connects to DESE for accountability reporting

---

## 9. Area Career Centers (ACCs)

### What They Are
Area Career Centers are regional CTE facilities that serve students from multiple sending school districts. They provide specialized CTE programs that individual districts cannot cost-effectively offer alone.

### Structure
- Operated by a host district, cooperative, or independent board
- Students attend part-day (typically half-day block) at the ACC and the remainder at their home school
- Transportation provided by sending district or ACC
- Programs typically serve juniors and seniors (some include sophomores)

### Common ACC Programs
Auto technology, welding, construction, health sciences, cosmetology, culinary arts, law enforcement, IT networking, graphic design, agriculture, early childhood education, fire science, precision machining, industrial maintenance

### Funding
- Sending districts pay tuition per student to the ACC
- Perkins V funds support equipment, curriculum, and professional development
- State CTE funding through the foundation formula (weighted ADA)

---

## 10. CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies)

### Overview
CAPS is a project-based learning model where high school students work on real-world professional challenges for community partners (businesses, nonprofits, government agencies).

### CAPS Model Features
- Students work in a professional environment (often off-campus or in a dedicated space)
- Projects are authentic — provided by community partners with real stakes
- Student teams manage projects from scoping through delivery
- Interdisciplinary application of knowledge and skills
- Professional mentors from partner organizations
- Presentation of deliverables to authentic audiences

### CAPS in Missouri
Blue Valley CAPS (Kansas City area) was an early national model. Several Missouri districts have adopted CAPS or CAPS-inspired programs:
- Strands commonly include: business/entrepreneurship, engineering/technology, health sciences, global studies, human services
- Students earn high school credit and may earn dual credit
- Strong connection to career pathways and post-secondary planning

---

## 11. CTE Student Organizations (CTSOs)

### Recognized CTSOs in Missouri
| Organization | Career Area | Activities |
|-------------|------------|-----------|
| **FFA (Future Farmers of America)** | Agriculture | CDE (Career Development Events), SAE projects, leadership |
| **FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America)** | Business | Competitive events, community service, leadership |
| **DECA** | Marketing, Finance, Hospitality | Role plays, written events, presentations |
| **FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America)** | Human Services, Education, Hospitality | STAR Events, community service, advocacy |
| **HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America)** | Health Science | Competitive events, community health, leadership |
| **SkillsUSA** | Trade, Technical, Skilled Service | Skills competitions, professional development |
| **TSA (Technology Student Association)** | STEM, Engineering | Design challenges, technology competitions |
| **BPA (Business Professionals of America)** | Business, IT | Workplace skills assessment, competitive events |

### CTSO Benefits
- Leadership development
- Career-specific skill competitions (regional, state, national)
- Community service and civic engagement
- Networking with industry professionals
- Scholarship opportunities
- Resume-building experiences
- Integral part of CTE program quality (Perkins V)

---

## 12. Perkins V Accountability

### Performance Indicators
Perkins V (Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act) requires states to report on:

| Indicator | What It Measures |
|-----------|----------------|
| **1S1** | Four-year graduation rate of CTE concentrators |
| **2S1** | Academic proficiency in reading/language arts |
| **2S2** | Academic proficiency in mathematics |
| **2S3** | Academic proficiency in science |
| **3S1** | Post-program placement (employment, education, military) |
| **4S1** | Nontraditional program enrollment (gender balance in non-traditional fields) |
| **5S3** | Program quality — IRC attainment, dual credit, work-based learning |

### Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA)
Required every 2 years. Must include:
- Student performance data analysis (disaggregated by subgroup)
- Labor market alignment (are programs aligned to local/regional demand?)
- Program size, scope, and quality evaluation
- Progress toward equal access for special populations
- Stakeholder input (employers, post-secondary, community, students)

---

## 13. Post-Secondary & Workforce Transitions

### Post-Secondary Options
| Pathway | Description |
|---------|-----------|
| **4-year university** | Bachelor's degree; admission based on GPA, ACT/SAT, coursework |
| **Community college** | Associate's degree, certificates; open enrollment; A+ eligible |
| **Technical/vocational school** | Certificate programs; career-specific training |
| **Registered apprenticeship** | Earn-and-learn; journeyperson credential |
| **Military** | Enlistment or ROTC/service academy; ASVAB qualification |
| **Direct employment** | Entry-level positions; may lead to on-the-job training or employer-sponsored education |

### Missouri Workforce Development
- **Missouri Job Centers:** statewide network providing job search, training, and employer services
- **WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act):** federal framework for workforce development (see `mo-jobs` skill for detail)
- **Missouri Division of Workforce Development:** administers WIOA, apprenticeship, and labor market information
- **MoScores:** Missouri's labor market data tool for career exploration and program alignment

### Career Readiness Indicators (MSIP 6)
MSIP 6 tracks post-secondary readiness through multiple measures:
- Graduation rate (4-year adjusted cohort)
- ACT/SAT benchmark achievement
- CTE concentrator/completer rates
- IRC attainment
- Dual credit/AP participation and success
- Post-secondary enrollment rates
- Military enlistment