Is it expected that all CTE courses gain ag approval?
No. High–quality, standards–based CTE courses have inherent value whether or not they have gained a–g approval from UC (as meeting faculty expectations for content and rigor). Furthermore, it is neither appropriate nor desirable for all CTE courses to strive for ag certification. Multiple pathways are designed to help students master a wide range of knowledge and skills—academics, industry–related knowledge, occupational skills, authentic “hands–on” experience, and multi–faceted problem solving, to name just a few. Some CTE courses, with the strong academic and theoretical focus sought by UC and CSU, should be eligible for ag approval; others should not. But all CTE courses, provided they are grounded in state–approved industry and academic/technical standards, play a central role in student learning.
