Pupil instruction: high school graduation requirements: career technical education.

Assembly Member Gipson's proposal to amend California's high school graduation requirements would permanently establish career technical education (CTE) as an option for fulfilling the state's visual and performing arts requirement. Under current law, CTE courses are set to lose this status on July 1, 2027.

The legislation maintains existing provisions requiring school districts that offer CTE as a graduation option to notify parents, teachers, students, and the public about several key factors. These include the relationship between CTE courses and university admission requirements, as well as any distinctions between local graduation criteria and college eligibility standards. Districts must ensure CTE courses align with state curriculum standards but are not required to create new CTE programs if none currently exist.

The bill preserves alternative methods for completing graduation requirements, including practical skills demonstrations, supervised work experience, and courses through regional occupational centers. If the Commission on State Mandates determines the changes create new costs for local educational agencies, the state must provide reimbursement under existing statutory procedures.