Indiana has launched an initiative to enhance Career and Technical Education (CTE) across the state, known as the Next Level Programs of Study (NLPS). Fully implemented in the 2022-2023 school year, NLPS aims to improve the consistency, quality, and intentionality of CTE instruction throughout Indiana’s educational system. This program is designed to ensure that students receive relevant and high-quality career and technical education that prepares them for future success. For a concise overview of NLPS, you can refer to the CTE Career Guide.
To support the successful implementation of CTE programs of study under NLPS, a variety of resources are readily available. This article serves as a guide to these essential materials, ensuring educators, administrators, and stakeholders have access to the information they need.
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For any inquiries or assistance regarding CTE programs of study, please reach out to the dedicated CTE team at [email protected].
Key Resources for NLPS Implementation
To effectively understand and implement the Next Level Programs of Study, several key documents and resources have been developed. These resources provide comprehensive information on program structure, course details, and planning guidance.
NLPS Review Document (Updated September 2024)
The NLPS Review Document is an essential resource that offers a complete overview of each Next Level Program of Study. This document includes detailed information on each 4-course sequence within the programs, outlining course standards and competencies. Crucially, it also details the alignment of each NLPS course with postsecondary courses at Ivy Tech and Vincennes University, indicating dual credit course eligibility. Updated as recently as September 2024, this document ensures users have the most current information. It also includes teacher assignment codes, course funding levels, and lists aligned certifications, making it a comprehensive guide for program administrators and educators.
2025-2026 CTE Course Titles and Descriptions (Updated December 2024)
For detailed information on courses available in the upcoming academic year, the 2025-2026 CTE Course Titles and Descriptions document is invaluable. Updated in December 2024, this resource provides course titles and descriptions for all CTE courses offered in Indiana for the 2025-2026 school year. It includes a summary of changes from the previous year at the beginning and a detailed change log at the end, allowing users to quickly identify updates. Furthermore, this document specifies prerequisites, recommended grade levels, and other essential details for each CTE course, aiding in curriculum planning and student advising. All CTE courses and descriptions are also integrated into the comprehensive Course Titles and Descriptions provided by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
NLPS Teacher Assignment Codes (Updated February 2024)
The 2024-2025 Assignment Codes document, updated in February 2024, provides crucial teacher assignment codes for all NLPS courses available during the 2024-2025 school year. While the NLPS Review Document also contains assignment code information, this dedicated document offers a focused resource, particularly for administrative tasks related to staffing and course allocation. Staying updated with the latest version ensures accurate assignment coding for educators within the NLPS framework.
NLPS Planning Guide
To assist schools and career centers in maximizing the benefits of the redesigned CTE structure, the NLPS Planning Guide is an essential tool. This guide is structured to facilitate strategic planning and includes:
- Page 1: A comparison chart highlighting the key differences between the previous CTE system and NLPS.
- Page 2: An overview of the course structure implemented for NLPS and its advantages for students and institutions.
- Pages 3-5: A rubric designed to help schools and career centers evaluate and determine which career pathways to offer based on their resources and community needs.
- Page 6: Various scheduling options for NLPS courses to accommodate different school structures and student needs.
- Pages 7/8: Additional scheduling considerations and alternative scheduling models to ensure flexible and effective program delivery.
Program of Study Adoption and Course Inventory Form Instructions
Guidance on the process of adopting programs of study and managing course inventories is provided in the Instructions document. This document outlines the steps and requirements for completing the necessary forms and processes to align with NLPS. For specific questions, individuals are encouraged to contact their Area CTE Director or the CTE team for direct support.
Master Pathways List (Updated December 2024)
The Master Pathways List, updated in December 2024, offers a comprehensive catalog of all NLPS pathways available for the 2025-2026 academic year. This document enables users to quickly identify the available programs of study and the specific course options within each pathway. It is regularly updated to reflect the most current program offerings and course alignments, ensuring accurate pathway selection and curriculum development.
NLPS Frequently Asked Questions (Updated July 2024)
For common inquiries regarding the transition to Next Level Programs of Study, the NLPS FAQ document is a valuable resource. Updated in July 2024, it addresses frequently asked questions about NLPS implementation and general CTE topics. This living document is continuously updated with new questions and clarifications based on feedback from the field. Users are encouraged to submit their questions and suggestions to the CTE team to further enhance this resource.
2022-2023 Indiana CTE Career Guide (Online Version)
The 2022-2023 Indiana CTE Career Guide serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding Next Level Programs of Study and various aspects of CTE in Indiana. This online guide provides information on Work-Based Learning, Graduation Pathways, and Career Clusters, alongside details about NLPS. Designed for students, parents, and school counselors, it is also beneficial for anyone involved in CTE. Print copies can be requested here for schools, career centers, and stakeholders needing physical copies.
Aligning Course Offerings with Labor Demand
Ensuring that CTE course offerings are aligned with current labor market demands is crucial for the success of NLPS graduates. While specific resources are not directly linked in the original article for labor demand data within Indiana, it is important to consult state and national labor statistics, which are typically available from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These resources can help educators and administrators make informed decisions about program offerings to meet regional and statewide workforce needs.
Other Resources
For additional support and resources in career and technical education, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is a leading national organization. ACTE provides professional development, advocacy, and resources for CTE professionals across the country, offering valuable support for implementing and enhancing CTE programs like NLPS.
By utilizing these resources and staying informed about the Next Level Programs of Study, Indiana is committed to providing a robust and relevant career and technical education system that prepares students for future career success and contributes to the state’s economic growth.
