CTE Course and Program Approval

Career and Technical Education Logo

21st Century Skills

Integrating 21st Century Skills into all curricula positions CTE as a premier course of study for career and college readiness for all students, and places more students on the path to success.

The legislature authorized the OSPI to establish standards for CTE through RCW 28A.700.010. These standards were created to ensure high-quality career and technical programs across the state.

Every CTE course is approved by OSPI through the Course Application process in EDS. Course applications include course frameworks, extended learning opportunities, skills gap information and more. Frameworks are approved for new courses, and then all frameworks are kept up to date by the district.

CTE Course Applications

The purpose of the framework/course approval process is to make certain that all CTE courses:

  • Ensure academic rigor;
  • Align with the state's education reform requirements, including the Washington State Learning Standards;
  • Help address the skills gap of Washington's economy;
  • Maintain strong relationships with local CTE advisory councils for the design and delivery of career and technical education; and
  • Align with current industry standards.

 

Course Approval-Open System
  • To be offered 1st Semester: Due April 15
  • To be offered 2nd Semester: Due October 15

Course signature page is only available after the course has been approved. After course has been approved, print, sign and file course signature page.

Courses must be in APPROVED status in Course Application system, and in APPROVED status in the Program Approval system to maintain compliance. Reminder, only APPROVED CTE courses can be claimed for enhanced funding.

Program Approval-Closed System
  • Preview Window: December 1-31
  • Submissions Window: January 1-31

Program Signature Page is only available after the Program has been approved. After program has been approved, print, sign and file program signature page!

Approval of specific program areas will be completed based on the schedule below. All CTE courses from districts with CTE programs must be approved through the Course and Program Approval process, or CTE courses in the program area lose approval status.

CTE Program Approval

Leadership & Extended Learning

Leadership Templates

Extended Learning