(a) The department of education shall begin preparing students in middle school grades for a career and technical education (CTE) pathway by introducing students to career exploration opportunities that allow students to explore a wide variety of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand career fields.(b) The department of education shall: (1) Provide career exploration and career development activities through an organized, systematic framework designed to aid students in the middle school grades, before enrolling and while participating in a career and technical education program, in making informed plans and decisions about future education and career opportunities and programs of study, which may include:(A) Introductory courses or activities focused on career exploration and career awareness, including nontraditional fields;(B) Readily available career and labor market information, including information on:(i) Occupational supply and demand;(ii) Educational requirements;(iii) Other information on careers aligned to state or local priorities, as applicable; and(iv) Employment sectors;(C) Programs and activities related to the development of student graduation and career plans;(D) nformation on careers aligned to state or local priorities, as applicable; and(iv) Employment sectors;(C) Programs and activities related to the development of student graduation and career plans;(D) Career guidance and academic counselors that provide information on postsecondary education and career options;(E) Any other activity that advances knowledge of career opportunities and assists students in making informed decisions about future education and employment goals, including nontraditional fields; or(F) Providing students with strong experience in, and a comprehensive understanding of, all aspects of an industry; and(2) Provide professional development opportunities for teachers and faculty related to CTE for students in middle school grades.Amended by 2021 Tenn. Acts, ch. 271, Secs.s1, s2 eff. 4/30/2021.Added by 2019 Tenn. Acts, ch. 366, s 7, eff. 5/10/2019.
Tennessee Legal Code