College and Career Readiness (CCaRe) Act

This Section shall be known as the “College and Career Readiness (CCaRe) Act.” CH. 4 CURRICULUM AND TEXTS The Guam Education Board (Board) shall develop and implement rigorous and relevant curriculum for:

(a)Public elementary and middle schools that integrate the Department of Education required academic subjects and career awareness and exploration. Prior to enrolling into high school, students shall participate in a career interest inventory, enabling them to enter high school ready to identify and select career pathway options; and

(b)Public high schools that align and integrate the Department of Education required academic subjects and Career and Technical Education

(CTE)methods to prepare every student for a higher education and a broad career field. In conjunction with academic assistance and guidance, students will be able to effectively identify, select, plan, and prepare for a career of choice and/or the pursuance of a post-secondary education. Such curriculum shall teach and develop competency levels of various academic and technical skills, both current and projected, to meet the demands of Guam’s social and economic growth. The curriculum shall adhere to the guidelines of the various associations of colleges and universities of the United States.

(1)Career and Technical Education Guidelines. The Department of Education shall deliver curriculum to K-12 students that develops their academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in future post-secondary education and careers. Grades K-5 curriculum shall include career awareness. Grades 6-8 curriculum shall include in-depth exposure to career exploration utilizing Career and Technical Education. Grades 9-12 curriculum shall include opportunities to participate in Career and Technical Education programs.

(2)For the purpose of this Section, “Career and Technical Education” means the method of instruction that prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies, and makes academic content accessible to students by providing it in a hands-on context.

(3)The goals of Career and Technical Education are to:

(A)increase student academic achievement and graduation rates through integrated academic and career curricula;

(B)prepare graduating high school students to make appropriate choices relative to employment and future educational experiences;

(C)raise student’s aspirations and commitment to academic achievement and work ethic through relevant coursework; and

(D)support the local economy by meeting industry needs for skilled employees in high demand occupations. Upon enactment, the Board, in collaboration with the Superintendent of Education, the local workforce investment board, the economic development agencies of the government of Guam, the Guam Community College, the University of Guam, and a trades academy recognized by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, shall establish a strategic plan for developing and adopting the new integrated curriculum in conjunction with the District Action Plan. This strategic plan shall be completed by June 30, 2012, and shall be implemented no later than School Year 2014-2015, but may be implemented prior to the School Year 2014-2015 by Board approval.