(a) A career-ready pathway to a diploma shall:

1. (1) Enable a student to earn credentials of value in a desired high-wage, high-growth career and the minimum academic core credits required by the Rules Governing Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and Public School Districts, 6 CAR pt. 61;
2. (2) Be offered to each high school student; and

3. (3) Prepare students to be qualified to continue their pathway in:

   1. (A) An institution of higher education;
   2. (B) An industry-based training or certification;
   3. (C) An apprenticeship;
   4. (D) A branch of the United States uniformed services; and
   5. (E) Immediate employment in a career field with available stackable credentials for continued advancement in that field.

(b)

1. (1) Each public school district and open-enrollment public charter school shall offer at least one (1) career-ready pathway that is aligned to state and regional workforce demands as determined by the list of qualified pathways published annually by the Department of Education.

2. (2) Public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools shall:

   1. (A) Work in partnership with:

(i) Local business and industry leaders;

1. (ii) Local economic development agencies; and

   1. (iii) Postsecondary education leaders; and
   2. (B) Annually review and select appropriate career-ready pathways to offer according to guidance published by the Division of Career and Technical Education; and

   3. (C) Expand offerings as appropriate, including without limitation:

      1. (i) Courses that are a part of a local or statewide articulation agreement with a postsecondary institution or postsecondary institutions;
      2. (ii) Concurrent enrollment courses;
      3. (iii) Industry training programs; and
      4. (iv) Digital learning opportunities.
      5. (c) A public school student in a career-ready pathway shall complete:
2. (1) The minimum academic core of courses as required for high school graduation; and
3. (2) A career and technical sequence of courses or an approved training program that leads to an approved, industry-based credential in a high-wage, high-growth field as published annually by the department.