Regarding House Bill No. 269 (HB 269) Adding a new section, 33-1614, Idaho code, establishing provision regarding career exploration courses.
What happened?
HB 269 requiring a career exploration course for 7th or 8th grade students was signed by Governor Little near the end of the 2023 legislative session.
What does 33-1614, Idaho Code require?
Starting in fiscal year 2024 (the 2023-2024 school year), every student in 7th or 8th graders who is enrolled in an Idaho public school district, a specifically chartered district, or a public charter school shall complete one or more career exploration courses.
When does the new law take effect?
July 1, 2023
What are the requirements of a career exploration course?
The course should align to the First Steps Standards set by the state board for career technical education. The First Steps Standards were developed by the board for career technical education.
Students will develop a Career Pathway Plan with the approval of their parent(s)/guardian(s), with advice and recommendation from school personnel, which shall include career exploration courses or workforce discovery activities. The purpose of the Career Pathway Plan is to outline a course of study and learning activities to help students become successful in life. Every student’s Career Pathway Plan shall be reviewed annually and can be revised at any time. The school shall provide a personalized Career Pathway Plan progress report to the student’s parent or guardian which may be sent via electronic communication.
What is required to teach a career exploration course?
All staff teaching a career exploration course must participate in a career exploration professional development course approved by the state board of education. More information is forthcoming.
Are there instructional resources currently available?
Yes. Instructional resources to teach the First Steps Standards are available on Next Steps Idaho’s Curriculum page and designated by the First Steps logo:
Idaho Digital Learning Alliance’s (IDLA) 8th Grade Career Exploration course is already aligned to the First Steps Standards and available to students.
And the state board of education will maintain resources that can be utilized or modified for the implementation of this section.
How can the course be delivered?
Such courses may be offered face-to-face, through virtual education courses, or as hybrid courses consisting of a combination of online and in-person instruction.
How should districts/schools prepare to implement 33-1614, Idaho Code by fiscal year 2024?
It is spring and districts and schools are actively planning for the 2023-2024 school year. These are some practical items to consider:
- Is there an existing course for 7th and/or 8th grade students focused on career exploration?
- If so, how can it be leveraged for implementation? What resources are needed?
- If not, what opportunities and resources exist to create one? What resources are needed?
- Who will teach the course?
- Is there a teacher who is already knowledgeable, skilled, or trained in career development?
- Is there a teacher with the capacity to take a required professional development course and be prepared to teach the course according to the district’s timeline?
- What is a manageable implementation timeline (i.e., second semester/third trimester to allow time for staff to complete the required career exploration professional development)?
- How will the district communicate the requirement to staff, students, parents and stakeholders?
How is the new law funded?
Funding is provided in 33-1002(2)(r), Idaho Code, in accordance with 33-1212A, Idaho Code, may be used to support career exploration.
Professional development funding provided pursuant to 33-1002, Idaho Code, may be used to provide professional development to career exploration course instructors.
Can students opt out?
Yes. A student may opt out by submitting a form to the school showing the student’s parent or legal guardian consents to the student not participating in the career exploration course pursuant to this code.
Where can I find more information?
Current information about the required career exploration professional development course will be posted at IDCTE Middle School: First Steps.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email Jenni Bradford, Senior Program Quality Manager, or call (208) 429-5543.