HQ CTE Framework Proficiency
Status: Active
Awarded: 06/29/2026
Badge Evidence | Completed Courses (4 Hours Each)
HQ101High-Quality CTE: Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum
Standards-based, collaboratively developed curriculum is the backbone of high-quality CTE programs of study. For this reason, Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®.
The Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum element of ACTE's quality framework includes seven criteria that address the development, implementation, and revision of program of study curriculum, including the relevant knowledge and skills taught in the program and the standards on which they are based.
This course discusses the seven criteria as well as practical strategies in applying the criteria to develop standards-aligned and integrated curriculum. The course also includes success stories and curated resources to help CTE practitioners develop and implement high-quality curriculum.
HQ102High-Quality CTE: Sequencing and Articulation
Sequencing and Articulation is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. This element of the high-quality framework addresses the key components of a program of study, and the articulation, coordination and collaboration that support programs of study, career pathways, and accelerated learning.
Modules focus on the progression of knowledge and skills, vertically aligned and non-duplicated programs, sequencing for recognized credentials, multiple entry and exit points, providing opportunities for articulated credit, collaboration among instructors at different levels, and coordination within a career pathways system.
HQ103High-Quality CTE: Student Assessment
CTE curriculum lends itself to authentic, relevant and creative forms of assessment. Instruments, when skillfully designed, selected and implemented, can be defining aspects of the CTE experience. A robust assessment system, built on valid and reliable assessments, provides students discrete feedback on industry-aligned knowledge, skills and abilities. For this reason, Student Assessment is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®.
This course covers general and CTE-specific strategies for multiple forms of formative and summative performance-based assessments across cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning domains, including how technical, academic and employability skills are assessed. An outcome of this course is for CTE educators to understand how to align assessment across the entire career pathway, from secondary to postsecondary to industry. Students then have opportunities across the pathway to develop a body of learning evidence that directly correlates to earning valued industry credentials.
HQ104High-Quality CTE: Prepared and Effective Program Staff
This course, based on the ACTE high-quality framework element 4, Prepared and Effective Program Staff, addresses the qualifications and professional development of program of study CTE staff, including secondary CTE teachers, postsecondary CTE faculty, CTE administrators, and other personnel. For this reason, Prepared and Effective Program Staff is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework ®.
HQ109High-Quality CTE: Student Career Development
Student Career Development is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. This course addresses strategies that help CTE and career development professionals design and implement a comprehensive career development model. Educators will learn how learners gain career knowledge and engage in education and career planning and decision-making, including career counseling, career assessments, and curricula that help them learn about careers, educational opportunities, workforce trends, postsecondary planning and job search information, and placement services. In addition, educators will consider how to engage in professional development to further develop their own knowledge and skills around career development.
HQ110High-Quality CTE: Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) are an integral part of a student's instructional program and CTE experience. They provide opportunities for skill and leadership development and career exploration. For this reason, CTSOs are one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®.
This element includes eight criteria addressing how CTSOs fit within CTE programs, their alignment to relevant standards, opportunities offered by CTSOs, and the CTSO advisor role. This course will describe successes to emulate, failures to avoid, and resources to help practitioners implement and support CTSOs.
HQ111High-Quality CTE: Work-Based Learning
Work-Based Learning is one of ACTE's 12 elements of high-quality CTE within the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. The work-based learning element addresses the delivery of a continuum of sustained, meaningful interactions with industry or community professionals that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field. Experiences may be delivered in workplaces, in the community, at educational institutions and/or virtually, as appropriate, and include a range of activities such as workplace tours, job shadowing, school-based enterprises, internships and apprenticeships.
HQ112High-Quality CTE: Data and Program Improvement
High-quality CTE programs of study strategically use a variety of data to support program improvement. This course addresses the Data and Program Improvement element of the ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework®. Topics include data processes and supports, data sharing, privacy and security protections, types of data, aggregate and disaggregated data, equity gaps, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement.
