1. (a)

   1. (1) Arkansas follows federal Perkins V legislation to define a program of study.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) The complete definition is a “program of study” means: “A coordinated, nonduplicative sequence of academic and technical content at the secondary and postsecondary level that: a. Incorporates challenging State academic standards, including those adopted by a State under section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965; b. Addresses both academic and technical knowledge and skills, including employability skills; c. Is aligned with the needs of industries in the economy of the State, region, Tribal community, or local area; d. Progresses in specificity (beginning with all aspects of an industry or career cluster and leading to more occupation-specific instruction); e. Has multiple entry and exit points that incorporate credentialing; and f. Culminates in the attainment of a recognized postsecondary credential.”
      2. (B) Pg. 27 of the Perkins V; the Official Guide, ACTE Publication, 2018.

2. (b)

   1. (1) See the Division of Career and Technical Education website occupational areas tab for approved programs of study, including course codes and industry-recognized credentials.
   2. (2) Refer to state standards for accreditation (SFA) for program of study requirements to meet SFA.
3. (c) Schools that, due to local business and industry requirements or school improvement plans, need consideration for extenuating circumstances to meet the needs of the students, should submit a request through the Department of Education course approval system (CAS) (https://adedata2.arkansas.gov/CAS/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=%2fcas) and shall not be initiated unless approval is received in the CAS.

Codification Notes: Section 1111(b)(1) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 is codified at 20 U.S.C. § 6311(b)(1). "CTE" means career technical education.