It is the policy of the Seattle School Board that the District will provide a program of Career and Technical Education to assist students in making informed and meaningful educational and career choices, and to prepare students for a wide range of post-secondary options. The District’s Career and Technical Education program is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that begins with the exploration of career options. Additionally, the District’s Career and Technical Education program supports basic academic and life skills, enables achievement of high academic standards, incorporates leadership training, provides options for high skill development and high-wage employment preparation, and includes advanced and continuing education courses. The program and its courses are included as part of the regular curriculum of the District.

The District will establish local Career and Technical Advisory Committees to assist in the design and delivery of the District’s Career and Technical Education program. Committees will advise the District on current labor market needs and the programs necessary to meet those needs. The District’s Career and Technical Education program will be related to employment demands, current and future, and to the needs and interests of students.

The Board will annually review and approve the District’s plan for the design and delivery of its career and technical education program. Equitable access to all programs in middle schools, high schools, and the Seattle Skills Center will be reviewed. The plan will ensure academic rigor, establish program performance targets, address the skill gaps of Washington’s economy, and provide opportunities for dual credit.

The Superintendent or their designee is granted the authority to develop procedures which will ensure all programs and courses are operated in conformity with the District’s plan for Career and Technical Education and with all federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on federal protected classes. Additionally, the District will seek and utilize state and federal sources of revenue for the financial support of Career and Technical Education in the District.

The Superintendent or their designee is granted the authority to develop procedures in order to implement this policy.

Superintendent Procedure:

• 4110SP – Family and Community Advisory and Oversight Committees

Policy Cross References:

• 2200 – Equitable Access to Programs and Services
• 2413 – Equivalency Credit for Career and Technical Education Courses
• 2415 – High School Graduation Requirements
• 2420 – High School Grade and Credit Marking
• 3210 – Nondiscrimination, Acts of Hostility and Defamation
• 4110 – Family and Community Advisory and Oversight Committees

Previous Policies:

• C48.00 – Vocational Education
• C49.00 – Career Education
• C52.00 – Career and Technical Education
• C52.01 – Career and Technical Education Procedure

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.150.500 Education agencies offering vocational education programs – local advisory committees – advice on current job needs.
• RCW 28A.230.130 Program to help students meet minimum entrance requirements at baccalaureate–granting institutions or to pursue career or other opportunities – high school course offerings for postsecondary credit.
• Chapter 28A.700 RCW Secondary career and technical education.
• 20 U.S.C. 2301 et. Seq. Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006.

Management Resources:

Last Board Review:

Revisions:

• March 4, 2025 (Administrative Update per Policy No. 1310)

Adopted by the Board:

• December 2, 2015