As used in this part:

1. (1)

   1. (A) “Career awareness and exploration activity” means any activity that creates links between what a student does in school and what a student wants to achieve in life, including exposing students to career and technical and academic fields of study.

   2. (B) Activities may include without limitation the following:

      1. (i) Field trips;
      2. (ii) Guest speakers;
      3. (iii) Community services;
      4. (iv) Dedicated curricula; and
      5. (v) Other activities designed to introduce students to occupations that are found to be in demand in Arkansas;

2. (2)

   1. (A) “Career-ready pathway” means a sequence of courses and activities to prepare students for success after high school that includes (the minimum academic core approved by the Higher Education Coordinating Board, in consultation with the State Board of Education):

      1. (i) A sequence of career and technical education courses in a program of study aligned with high-wage, high-growth jobs in Arkansas; and
      2. (ii) The opportunity to earn a credential of value.
   2. (B) Career-ready pathways shall meet the requirements for state distinction published by the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education;
3. (3) “Credential of value” means a certification, credential, or license aligned to a high-wage, high-growth career as defined by the Division of Higher Education in conjunction with other agencies represented in the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet;

4. (4)

   1. (A) “Early postsecondary opportunity (EPSO)” means a course, assessment, or combination of course and assessment that confers postsecondary credit to a student in high school.

   2. (B) “EPSOs” may include without limitation:

      1. (i) Advanced placement;
      2. (ii) International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme;
      3. (iii) Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education;
      4. (iv) Concurrent enrollment; and
      5. (v) Recognized industry certificate;

5. (5) “Employer” means without limitation:

   1. (A) Any individual, partnership, limited liability company, association, or corporation carrying on any employment;
   2. (B) The receiver or trustee of the same; or
   3. (C) The legal representative of a deceased employer; and

6. (6)

   1. (A) “Student success plan” means a plan that is developed by school personnel in collaboration with parents and the students that is reviewed and updated annually beginning in grade eight (8).
   2. (B) The plan should guide students’ educational and career pathway choices to prepare students for success after high school as outlined in Arkansas Code § 6-15-2911.