Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Hawaii is paving the way for a vibrant future, ensuring local graduates are equipped to excel in high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations right here in the islands. The vision of CTE is to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem where Hawaii’s talent thrives within the state, contributing to and benefiting from a robust local economy.
The mission driving CTE forward is to serve Hawaii's schools and broader community by meticulously designing and implementing top-tier CTE programs. These programs are strategically crafted to align with the evolving demands of Hawaii’s labor market. This includes forging new educational pathways and comprehensive programs of study, adhering to rigorous industry standards, integrating invaluable work-based learning experiences, offering industry-recognized certifications, and providing opportunities for dual credit attainment. Furthermore, CTE is deeply committed to ensuring equitable access to these opportunities, striving to increase participation rates and foster successful outcomes for all students.
Charting New CTE Career Pathways
A significant expansion of CTE Career Pathways has been undertaken, driven by several key factors that underscore the commitment to providing relevant and future-focused education.
This expansion was directly motivated by:
- The passage of Perkins V: This pivotal legislation provided clearer guidelines on the rigor expected in CTE courses and emphasized the crucial alignment between secondary and postsecondary education to effectively meet workforce demands. This legislative push highlighted the importance of preparing students not just for jobs, but for fulfilling careers in evolving industries.
- Findings from a Hawaii Department of Education CTE course inventory: An in-depth review revealed that a significant portion of existing CTE courses, specifically only 44 out of 77, were fully utilizing up-to-date industry standards. This gap underscored the need for curriculum modernization to ensure students are learning skills that are directly applicable and valued in today’s workplaces.
- Addressing uncertainty in vertical alignment: Concerns were raised about whether secondary CTE offerings were seamlessly aligned with postsecondary education opportunities and, more broadly, if they were fully in sync with Hawai’i’s overarching economic and workforce development priorities. This prompted a comprehensive review to ensure educational pathways effectively lead to meaningful career outcomes within the state.
To address these critical points, an alignment study was conducted, leveraging state economic and workforce data to pinpoint high-skill, high-wage, and high-demand occupations within Hawai’i. The study also considered the state’s key economic priorities and strategic initiatives. The findings of this study were instrumental in guiding the selection and development of CTE programs that are directly responsive to identified needs. This data-driven approach led to a significant expansion of secondary CTE Career Pathways from 6 to 13, along with a comprehensive redesign of the CTE programs of study to reflect current and future industry demands.
The redesigned secondary Career Pathways feature several key improvements:
- Curriculum Revision and Enhancement: Courses, program of study industry course standards, and recommended benchmark student learning activities have been thoroughly revised. The focus is now on promoting deeper learning and ensuring students acquire essential academic, technical, and employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. This curriculum refresh ensures that students are not just learning concepts but developing practical, applicable skills.
- Robust Work-Based Learning (WBL) Approach: Recognizing the paramount importance of hands-on experience, a robust WBL framework has been integrated. This includes embedded WBL benchmark activities that are directly aligned to industry standards, as well as a capstone WBL course for each program of study. This structured approach to work-based learning ensures students gain real-world experience, bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace application.
The expanded and redesigned secondary Career Pathways now encompass a wide array of fields, preparing students for diverse “Adventures In Technology Career Education Programming” and beyond:
- Cultural Arts, Media, and Entertainment (SY23-24): For students interested in creative and expressive careers.
- Business Management, Finance, and Marketing (SY22-23): Providing foundational skills for the business world.
- Health Services (SY21-22): Addressing the critical need for healthcare professionals.
- Information Technology and Digital Transformation (SY21-22): Focusing on the rapidly evolving technology sector, including programming.
- Building and Construction (SY20-21): Training for essential roles in infrastructure development.
- Advanced Manufacturing (SY21-22): Preparing for careers in modern, technology-driven manufacturing.
- Energy (SY21-22): Addressing the growing importance of sustainable and renewable energy.
- Architectural Design and Engineering (SY20-21): Cultivating the next generation of designers and engineers.
- Transportation Services (SY20-21): Supporting the vital transportation industry.
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (SY21-22): Focusing on sustainability and essential resources.
- Education (Summer 2020): Developing future educators and learning support professionals.
- Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation (SY23-24): Supporting Hawai`i’s cornerstone industries.
- Law and Public Safety (Summer 2020): Preparing for careers in protective and legal services.
For a detailed timeline of the rollout of these pathways, refer to the timeline document.
Pathway Goals: Equity and Excellence
The overarching goals of CTE pathways, as outlined in the Hawaii Perkins V State Plan, are centered on equity, access, and impactful outcomes. These goals are designed to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have the opportunity to benefit from high-quality CTE programs.
The core goals are to:
- Ensure Equitable Access to High-Quality CTE Programs: This means guaranteeing that all students have fair and just access to CTE programs that meet stringent criteria for size, scope, and quality in both their design and delivery. Equity of access is not just about availability but about removing barriers that might prevent certain student populations from participating and succeeding.
- Increase Participation and Improve Equity of Participation: Beyond simply offering programs, CTE aims to actively increase the overall participation in high-quality CTE programs. Crucially, this includes a focused effort to improve the equity of participation, ensuring that diverse student groups are represented and engaged in CTE in proportion to their presence in the student population.
- Improve Educational and Workforce Outcomes and Equity of Outcomes: The ultimate measure of success is in the outcomes achieved by CTE program participants. CTE is committed to continually improving both educational outcomes (like graduation rates, further education enrollment) and workforce outcomes (like employment rates, wages). Furthermore, CTE is dedicated to ensuring equity in these outcomes, addressing any disparities that might exist between different student groups.
Strategic Use of Career Pathways Across Education Levels
Career Pathways are not just for high school students; they serve as a versatile and valuable organizing framework across all educational levels, from kindergarten through college. They are intentionally designed to be adaptable and beneficial at every stage of a student’s educational journey.
Versatile Applications of Career Pathways
The Career Pathways framework is a powerful tool that can be applied in numerous ways to enhance career awareness, exploration, preparation, and training for all students throughout their K-12 education.
- Broadening Horizons: By introducing students to the broad spectrum of career pathways and the diverse career clusters and occupations within them, educators can significantly expand students’ awareness of career possibilities. This early exposure helps students understand the vast landscape of opportunities available to them and encourages them to think beyond traditional or familiar career paths.
- Interest-Based Exploration: For older students seeking more personalized guidance, interest inventory tests like the RIASEC assessment (RIASEC) can be invaluable. These tools help students explore Career Pathway options that align with their individual interests, skills, and personality traits, making career exploration a more engaging and personally relevant process.
- Industry-Aligned Standards for Advanced Learning: At the secondary and postsecondary levels, Career Pathways provide clearly defined industry standards that are directly aligned with the requirements of businesses and industries. Implementing these program of study industry standards is crucial for ensuring that students acquire a high level of technical knowledge and skills that are valued by employers. This alignment also facilitates a smoother and more seamless transition for students as they move from secondary to postsecondary education or directly into their chosen careers.
Programs of Study: Deep Dive into Career Fields
| | Pathways and Programs of Study by District and School Students can achieve mastery of all specific Career Pathway course standards by successfully completing a Program of Study, which is structured to span four years at the high school level. These Programs of Study are meticulously designed with specific objectives in mind:
- Integrated Learning: Programs of Study are intentionally designed to seamlessly integrate academic standards, essential career and workplace skills, and specific business and industry-validated standards. This holistic approach ensures that students develop a well-rounded skillset, encompassing both theoretical knowledge and practical abilities.
- Real-World Application and Advanced Opportunities: Incorporating work-based learning experiences is a core element, providing students with invaluable opportunities to apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. Where feasible and appropriate, Programs of Study also integrate industry-recognized credentials, enhancing students’ employability, and early postsecondary opportunities, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school, accelerating their academic and career pathways.
- Preparation for Future Success: Ultimately, Programs of Study are designed to comprehensively prepare students for a successful future, whether that path leads to further education at the postsecondary level or directly into meaningful and rewarding employment in their chosen field.
| Hawaii State Department of Education 13 Career Pathways and Programs of Study:Cultural Arts, Media, and Entertainment – Digital Design – Fashion and Artisan Design – Film and Media Production Business Management, Finance, and Marketing– Business Management – Entrepreneurship – Financial Management – Marketing Management – Supply Chain and Logistics Technology Health Services– Public Health Services – Diagnostic Services – Emergency Medical Services – Human Performance Therapeutic Services – Nursing Services | Information Technology and Digital Transformation– Artificial Intelligence (AI) – Programming – Networking – Cybersecurity (Cyber) – Web Design and Development (WDD) Building and Construction– Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Systems – Residential and Commercial Construction Advanced Manufacturing– Automation and Robotics Technology – Electro-Mechanical Technology – Welding Energy– Alternative Fuels Technology – Power Grid Technology – Renewable Energies Technology Architectural Design and Engineering– Architectural Design (AD) – Engineering Technology Transportation Services– Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair (MLR) – Automotive Collision Repair – Aviation Maintenance Technology – Marine Maintenance Technology | Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources– Animal Systems, Food Systems – Natural Resources Business – Natural Resources Management Education– Learning Support Professionals (LSP) – Teaching As a Profession (TAP) Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation– Culinary Arts – Sustainable Hospitality and Tourism Management Law and Public Safety– Law Enforcement Services – Fire and Emergency Services (FES) – Pre-Law |
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CTE Honors Recognition: Celebrating Achievement
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Honors Recognition Certificate is a prestigious distinction awarded to high-achieving students, starting with the graduating class of 2021 and beyond. This certificate acknowledges students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and excellence within their chosen CTE pathways.
To qualify for the CTE Honors Recognition Certificate, students must not only meet the standard requirements for a Hawaii high school diploma but also fulfill specific CTE-related criteria while maintaining a commendable academic record, with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above.
The specific requirements include:
- Completion of a Two-Course Sequence: Students must successfully complete a structured two-course sequence within a single approved CTE Program or Program of Study. This ensures a focused and in-depth exploration of a chosen career field.
- Academic Excellence in CTE Coursework: Students are required to earn a grade of B or better in each course within the two-course sequence. This grade requirement underscores the importance of academic rigor and mastery of the subject matter within CTE studies.
- Proficiency on Performance-Based Assessment: Students must meet or exceed the proficiency standard on a Performance-Based Assessment (PBA) specifically designed for their corresponding Program or Program of Study. This assessment goes beyond traditional testing, requiring students to demonstrate their ability to apply learned skills and knowledge in practical, performance-based scenarios.
CTE Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs)
The CTE Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs) are carefully designed to evaluate students’ abilities to effectively apply the academic and technical skills, as well as the knowledge, they have acquired throughout their CTE Programs of Study. These assessments are intentionally practical and designed to mirror real-world workplace demands.
Each PBA comprises three key components, providing a comprehensive evaluation of student competency:
- Technical Writing: This component assesses students’ ability to communicate technical information clearly, accurately, and effectively in writing. Strong technical writing skills are essential in virtually all career fields, particularly in technology and STEM-related professions.
- Oral Presentation: Students are evaluated on their capacity to deliver well-organized and informative oral presentations on technical topics. Effective communication, including public speaking, is a critical skill for career success and leadership.
- Performance Assessment: This hands-on component requires students to demonstrate their practical skills and abilities by completing a specific task or project that is directly relevant to their CTE Program of Study. This performance-based element provides tangible evidence of students’ applied competence.
The PBA process is typically conducted at the school level or by the school district, ensuring localized and relevant assessment of student skills.
Pathway Advisory Councils: Industry Expertise Guiding Education
Pathway Advisory Councils (PACs) play a vital role in ensuring that CTE programs remain relevant, up-to-date, and directly aligned with the evolving needs of Hawai`i’s industries. PAC members are industry professionals who volunteer their time and expertise to advise the Hawaii Department of Education on the specific skills, knowledge, tools, technologies, and tasks that are most critical in today’s dynamic careers.
The core objectives of the PACs are to:
- Provide Industry-Specific Expertise: PAC members offer invaluable industry-specific expertise to inform the development of student technical skills learning within secondary CTE programs of study. Their insights directly shape the associated industry standards, ensuring curriculum relevance.
- Create Vital Linkages: PACs actively foster and strengthen linkages between industry, secondary education, and postsecondary education institutions. These connections are essential for creating seamless educational pathways and ensuring that students are well-prepared for both further education and direct entry into the workforce.
- Enhance Educator Skills: PACs contribute to enhancing the industry and technical skills of secondary CTE educators. By providing opportunities for professional development and exposure to industry trends, PACs help educators stay at the forefront of their fields, benefiting their students directly.
- Facilitate Collaboration: PACs serve as platforms for collaborative input and consultation. They bring together educators and industry professionals to share insights, address challenges, and collectively shape the future direction of CTE programs.
- Address Evolving Needs: PACs are adaptable and proactive, taking on other actions as needed to ensure the continued relevance and effectiveness of CTE pathways in preparing students for successful careers.
Career and Technical Student Organizations: Applied Learning and Leadership
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) are recognized as an indispensable component of the CTE classroom curriculum and instructional approach. These organizations are integral to developing essential employability and career skills by actively engaging students in applied learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom settings.
CTSOs significantly enhance the learning process by providing rich opportunities for:
- Contextual Instruction: CTSOs contextualize classroom learning by providing real-world applications and scenarios, making learning more relevant and engaging for students.
- Leadership and Personal Development: CTSOs offer numerous avenues for students to develop leadership skills, build confidence, and enhance their personal development through participation in activities, programs, and leadership roles.
- Real-World Application: Through hands-on projects, competitive events, and community engagement, CTSOs provide practical platforms for students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, solidifying their learning and building valuable experience.
Through a diverse range of activities, programs, and competitive events, CTSOs play a crucial role in guiding students as they explore and select a career path or program of study that aligns with their interests and aptitudes. Furthermore, CTSOs provide targeted opportunities for students to gain and refine the specific skills and abilities that are essential for achieving success in their chosen careers.
Beyond skill development, CTSOs also offer students valuable opportunities to assume leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels. Students can attend leadership development conferences, providing them with exceptional networking opportunities to connect with peers from across the state and nation, as well as to engage directly with business and industry partners, building valuable professional relationships.
Source: https://www.ctsos.org/
The Hawaii State Department of Education currently sponsors five prominent CTSOs, each focused on different career areas:
- DECA: Focusing on marketing, finance, hospitality, and management.
- Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA): Addressing family and consumer sciences education.
- FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America): Centering on agricultural education and leadership.
- HOSA – Future Health Professionals: Dedicated to students interested in healthcare careers.
- SkillsUSA: Supporting students pursuing careers in trade, technical, and skilled service occupations.
Annual Notice of Nondiscrimination
To ensure transparency and uphold principles of equal opportunity, prior to the commencement of each school year, every high school in Hawaii that offers a CTE program is mandated to advise students, parents, employees, and the general public of its commitment to nondiscrimination. This annual notice explicitly states that all vocational opportunities will be offered without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, or handicap, ensuring equitable access for all. To maximize reach and understanding, this notice is translated into 14 different languages, reflecting the diverse communities within Hawaii. The notice can be viewed at Annual Notice.
Essential CTE-Related Resources
The following resources are highly relevant to the effective implementation and ongoing development of CTE programs in Hawai`i:
RIASEC Test for Career Pathways
RIASEC codes provide a valuable framework for categorizing individuals based on their interests, facilitating the matching of individuals with suitable careers. Developed by Dr. John L. Holland, a renowned academic psychologist, the RIASEC system proposes six broad categories encompassing all careers. These same six areas can be used to describe individuals, their personalities, and their interests, providing a powerful tool for career exploration and guidance. For example, “Building” careers encompass roles that involve working with tools or machinery, such as carpentry, mechanics, or airline piloting. Individuals with “Building” interests typically enjoy hands-on work and creating tangible products. Schools and individuals in Hawai`i are granted permission to utilize the RIASEC test without explicit authorization from the Hawaii State Department of Education, provided that the resource is used for educational purposes, supporting career exploration and planning.
Hawai‘i Academies play a critical role in providing systematic support to achieve the HIDOE’s vision and mission. They achieve this by expanding Smaller Learning Communities (SLCs) throughout Hawai`i, with the overarching goal of preparing all students for both college and fulfilling careers. Hawai‘i Academies offer a structured and supportive environment for students to explore career pathways and develop the skills necessary for future success. Further information about member schools and the specific career academy themes they are centered around can be found by clicking on the header link.
Hawaii Career Explorer is a valuable online tool developed by the University of Hawai‘i Community College System. This platform provides comprehensive information regarding the credits, certificates, and degrees that are available across the UH system, directly related to a wide range of careers. It serves as an invaluable resource for students seeking to understand the educational pathways and credentials required for various professions in Hawai`i.
The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) is a well-established four-year CTE elective program, jointly funded by the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Notably, successful completion of two consecutive JROTC courses fulfills the CTE two-credit requirement for a high school diploma in Hawaii, recognizing the program's valuable contribution to career and technical education. The JROTC curriculum is intentionally designed to instill in high school students the core values of citizenship, leadership, personal responsibility, and teamwork. It also focuses on building self-esteem, self-discipline, and a strong sense of accomplishment among cadets. JROTC participation offers tangible benefits for students considering military service, including opportunities for advanced rank upon enlistment in any branch of the military, as well as advanced opportunities for federal/military academy appointments and ROTC college scholarships. It is important to emphasize that JROTC is not a military recruiting program; cadets do not incur any military obligation as a result of program completion. JROTC is fundamentally a service to the nation, with a core mission to provide cadets with the motivation and skills necessary to excel in various aspects of life. This includes promoting physical fitness, encouraging a drug-free lifestyle, fostering critical and creative thinking, developing effective communication skills, building teamwork abilities, encouraging high school graduation, and guiding students towards meaningful careers, particularly in the high-demand fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Ultimately, JROTC aims to cultivate successful and contributing citizens. For more detailed information about the JROTC program in Hawaii, contact LTC (ret.) Edgar Rivera at [email protected].
