1. (a)

   1. (1) All schools shall demonstrate through their comprehensive local needs assessments and local applications that they have satisfied the applicable definitions of size, scope, and quality of their CTE programs of study.
   2. (2) Size, scope, and quality is defined within the Arkansas Perkins V State Plan approved by the State Board of Education and the United States Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education.

2. (b) Size.

   1. (1) Class periods shall conform to the minimum class hours established by the Division of Secondary and Elementary Education’s Rules Governing Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts, 6 CAR pt. 61.
   2. (2) Enrollments may vary and will depend on the availability of equipment, tools, furniture, and instructional materials that support the program.
   3. (3) Program equipment requirements and safety conditions shall be a consideration in establishing class size.

3. (c) Scope.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) Schools shall offer one (1) approved CTE program of study from three (3) different occupational areas annually.
      2. (B) Each occupational area defines the required entry level (foundation) course for each program of study.
      3. (C)

4. (i) Foundation courses shall be offered annually.

   1. (ii) Level 2 and Level 3 courses may be offered on a two-year rotating basis.

      1. (iii) CTE Programs shall meet all Perkins requirements to count toward SFA.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Each CTE occupational area issues equipment lists annually.
      2. (B) The equipment lists are considered the minimum equipment necessary for students to master the program area standards established by the Division of Career and Technical Education.

   3. (3) The current version of equipment lists applies to new programs being implemented during the school year in which the equipment lists are issued.

      1. (d) Quality.
   4. (1) Approved programs of study are to follow all policies and procedures as well as program guidelines established and identified in the supplemental program operational guides and by approval of the Director of the Division of Career and Technical Education and/or their designee.

   5. (2)

      1. (A) Programs of study are expected to culminate in an industry-recognized technical skills assessment and/or certification (or an approved substitute), shall meet or show improvement in documented performance indicators, shall remove all critical elements identified in tiered support visits, and follow all required program guidelines.
      2. (B) See Arkansas Code § 6-5-1004.
   6. (3) Approved programs of study and programs will be reviewed annually to ensure quality.
   7. (4) Comply with Office of Civil Rights methods for administration procedures and regulations, and CTE monitoring and risk assessment review.
   8. (5) Each approved program of study shall participate in a regional stakeholder meeting with diverse representation including industry applicable to the program area as outlined in Perkins V.
   9. (6) Improvements to programs may occur based on information and recommendations made by stakeholders.

   10. (7) Offer CTE programs of study and programs that lead to one (1) or more of the following:

       1. (A)

          1. (i) High-skill occupations.
          2. (ii) Occupations that require an industry-credential of:
5. (a) (a) Value;

6. (b) (b) Postsecondary training;

   1. (c) (c) Apprenticeship; or

      1. (d) (d) Degree;

      2. (B)

         1. (i) High-wage occupations.
         2. (ii) An average hourly rate equal to or greater than the average hourly rate of all similar occupations as reported by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing; or

      3. (C)

         1. (i) In-demand occupations.
         2. (ii) An industry sector that:
7. (a) (a) Has a substantial current or potential impact (including through jobs that lead to economic self-sufficiency and opportunities for advancement) on the state, regional, or local economy, as appropriate; and
8. (b) (b) Contributes to the growth or stability of other supporting businesses, or the growth of other industry sectors.

Codification Notes: “SFA” means standards for accreditation. "CTE" means career technical education.