(a) The department of education shall begin preparing students in middle school grades for a career and technical education (CTE) pathway by introducing students to career exploration opportunities that allow students to explore a wide variety of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand career fields.
Terms Used In Tennessee Code 49-11-110
State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Tennessee Code 1-3-105
(b) The department of education shall:
(1) Provide career exploration and career development activities through an organized, systematic framework designed to aid students in the middle school grades, before enrolling and while participating in a career and technical education program, in making informed plans and decisions about future education and career opportunities and programs of study, which may include:
(A) Introductory courses or activities focused on career exploration and career awareness, including nontraditional fields;(B) Readily available career and labor market information, including information on:
(i) Occupational supply and demand;(ii) Educational requirements;(iii) Other information on careers aligned to state or local priorities, as applicable; and(iv) Employment sectors;(C) Programs and activities related to the development of student graduation and career plans;(D) Career guidance and academic counselors that provide information on postsecondary education and career options;(E) Any other activity that advances knowledge of career opportunities and assists students in making informed decisions about future education and employment goals, including nontraditional fields; or(F) Providing students with strong experience in, and a comprehensive understanding of, all aspects of an industry; and(2) Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and faculty related to CTE for students in middle school grades.
