Middle School: First Steps

Understanding the World of Work through CTE

What is First Steps?

In 2018, the Idaho Legislature expanded career technical education (CTE) to seventh and eighth grade. In response, the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education (IDCTE) launched an initiative, First Steps: Understanding the World of Work through Career Technical Education, to research best practices and develop a CTE-focused, career development program. Idaho educators developed the First Steps Standards and curriculum resources. You can find the standards below and access the curriculum resources on Next Steps Idaho’s Curriculum page!

Program Resources

First Steps Standards

First Steps Pilot Outcomes

First Steps provides seventh and eighth grade students career development opportunities that prepare them to navigate high school and the future beyond!

Additional Resources

Broadening the Path: Design Principles for Middle School CTE

Career Conversation Starters

Idaho College and Career Competencies

Idaho LEADER Continuum

Need More Information?

Jenni Bradford
Program Quality Manager
208.429.5543

Jorian Blacker
Administrative Support
208.429.5518