Fact Sheet No. 23-07 (Updates and Replaces 20-18). August 2023.
This Fact Sheet has been updated to reflect the October 2022 NYS Board of Regents action adding Computer Science as a Career and Technical Education (CTE) subject at the Middle School Level to meet the 1.75-unit CTE requirement.
Middle Level Flexibility: Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS), Technology Education (Tech Ed), and Career and Technology Education (CTE)
Since the 2018-2019 school year, all districts have had flexibility in terms of fulfilling the middle level program requirements of one (1) unit of study in Technology Education and the .75 unit of study in FACS. Districts have the option of continuing to fulfill this 1.75 unit of study with FACS and Tech Ed or they can now fulfill this requirement by using any of the CTE content areas: technology education, family and consumer sciences, business, health sciences, agriculture, computer science, or trade and technical education.
1. What is the current career and technical education requirement for middle school students?
In 2017, section 100.4(c) of Commissioner’s Regulations was amended to allow greater flexibility in how districts deliver courses satisfying the middle level requirement. The changes provide districts the option to offer students introductory CTE experiences in any of the seven CTE content areas.
Consequently, appropriately certified teachers from any of those content areas can be deployed to deliver introductory CTE in their area of certification. Districts also may also continue to offer middle level experiences using only FACS and technology education content and instructors.
2. What teachers can teach the middle level requirement?
Any teacher who is defined as a career and technical education teacher in section 100.1(l) of commissioner’s regulations may teach the middle level requirement. These are agriculture, business, family and consumer sciences, health sciences, technology, computer science, and trade/technical teachers.
3. Can a CTE teacher teach content outside of their CTE area?
No. CTE teachers may only teach the middle level content that aligns with the subject area of their teacher certification(s). The six overarching themes apply to all subject areas. Additional support for instructors is found in content modules developed by teams of teachers in each of the seven CTE areas. These content modules provide specifics about how the CTE themes can be taught in each CTE content area.
4. Can an educational technology specialist teach the middle level requirement?
No. An educational technology specialist is not a CTE teacher as defined in section 100.1(l) of Commissioner’s Regulations.
5. Can a health education (not health sciences) teacher teach the middle level requirement?
No. A health education teacher (not to be confused with health sciences teacher) is not a CTE teacher as defined in section 100.1(l) of Commissioner’s Regulations.
6. Can an elementary 1-6 teacher teach the 1.75-unit CTE requirement?
No. An elementary education teacher is not a CTE teacher as defined in Section 100.1(l) of Commissioner’s Regulations. Therefore, any coursework taught by an elementary teacher without one of the CTE titles referenced above cannot count toward the 1.75-unit CTE requirement.
7. What is the middle level CTE curriculum?
New York has provided a curricular guidance framework to assist school districts in developing local curricula for middle-level CTE. Six middle level theme modules, which can be integrated into the study of any CTE content area, can help districts make decisions when personalizing middle-level CTE instruction in their settings. The six theme modules are:
8. What are the Middle Level Content Modules?
The content modules provide the context to engage students in the themes. These standards-based modules from each CTE content area (Agriculture, Business and Marketing, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Science, Technology Education, Computer Science and Trade & Technical Education) connect middle to high school learner levels. Content modules are designed for instruction by teachers certified for that content.
9. What grades are covered by the middle level CTE requirement?
The middle level requirement applies to Grades 5-8. Instruction may begin as early as Grade 5 as long as it is taught by a certified career and technical education teacher who holds certification to teach Grades 5 and 6.
10. Are there a minimum number of different CTE instructional areas that middle school students need to be exposed to?
No. Schools decide which CTE instructional areas their students will be exposed to in meeting the 1.75-unit requirement.
11. Is the Home and Career Skills curriculum still in use for the middle level requirement?
With the revision of the middle level requirement, six new FACS content modules were developed to address the six overarching middle level CTE themes. As such, the Home and Career Skills curriculum is no longer being updated. However, certain activities and lessons from the curriculum can be used in the new middle level framework.
12. Is the Introduction to Technology curriculum still in use for the middle level requirement?
With the revision of the middle level requirement, five new technology content modules were developed that address the seven overarching middle level CTE themes. As such, the Introduction to Technology curriculum is no longer being updated. However, certain activities and lessons from the curriculum can be used in the new middle level framework.
13. Can the 20-week middle school health course count toward the 1.75-unit CTE requirement?
No. The middle school health education requirement as defined in section 135.3(b) (link is external) of Commissioner’s Regulations is separate from the 1.75 unit CTE requirement in section 100.4(c). These two middle-level requirements are met separately; each has its own distinct time requirement.
14. Can keyboarding count as part of the middle level requirement?
Keyboarding may be addressed as part of one or more of the middle level CTE theme modules, and is specifically addressed in the Computer Literacy for the Workplace content module. It must be taught by certified career and technical education teacher.
Advice to Local Leaders
- The 1.75 unit of study requirement for middle level career and technical education may begin in grade 5, provided that it is taught by teachers appropriately certified in career and technical education.
- Districts may continue to offer middle level experiences using only FACS and technology education content and instructors.
- Computer Science can now be used to meet the 1.75-unit CTE requirement.
- The flexibility does not equate to “Any CTE teacher can teach FACS or Technology Education”. For example, a FACS certified teacher cannot teach technology education; a business certified teacher cannot teach agriculture; a technology education certified teacher cannot teach health science.
Example of appropriate use of flexibility: a teacher with an Animal Science CTE certificate can provide the 1.75 units of study required at the middle level IF the district is addressing the required CTE themes within the Agricultural Content module.
CTE Certification
In May 2017, the Board of Regents adopted regulations that amended the requirements necessary to obtain Career and Technical Education (CTE) certificate titles. The state used the nationally recognized Career Clusters structure (attachment A) as a framework for CTE certification and streamlined the requirements for certification in Career and Technical Education.
A CTE certificate authorizes the certificate holder to teach a specific CTE subject in an approved career and technical education program in a New York State public high school or BOCES. In NYS, certified teachers progress from entry level certificates (Transitional A or Initial) to the Professional certificate by completing specific educational and teaching experience requirements.
Members who have taught or will teach a computer science course between 9/1/2017 and 8/31/2024 can apply for the Statement of Continued Eligibility (SOCE) up to September 1, 2024. See our NYSUT Fact Sheet, Teacher Certification in Computer Science.
Transitional A Certificates
Transitional certificates are designed to help transition professionals in CTE fields into teaching as state certified CTE teachers. The Transitional certificate is available to applicants who have not yet met all of the requirements for the initial CTE certificate but have met some. This certificate is valid for three (3) years and requires a commitment of employment and support from a NYS school district or BOCES. During these three (3) years, the CTE teacher will complete requirements for the initial certificate.
A potential CTE teacher can obtain a Transitional A certificate by using one of many Options; these options are designed to provide entry into teaching by using combinations of education (HS diploma or college courses), work experience, and industry-related credentials.
Option A: The applicant possesses an associates or higher degree in the CTE field plus two (2) years of work experience in the CTE field.
Option B: The applicant possesses a high school diploma, four (4) years of work experience in the CTE field, and passed the Communicative and Quantitative Skills (CQST) exam.
Option C: The applicant possesses an Associate’s degree in the CTE field and two (2) years of teaching experience at the postsecondary level in the CTE field.
Option D: The applicant possesses a full Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) license in the CTE field and two (2) years of BPSS teaching experience in the CTE field.
Option G: The applicant possesses a high school diploma, two (2) years of work experience in the CTE field, and an industry credential in the CTE field.
Option H: The applicant is enrolled in a CTE program and has either one (1) year of work experience in the CTE field or a passing score on an industry exam in the CTE field.
Option I: The applicant possesses a teaching certificate in grades 7-12 (any subject) and either one (1) year of work experience in the CTE field or an industry related credential.
Option J: The applicant possesses a Bachelor’s degree and either one (1) year of work experience in the CTE field or an industry credential in the CTE field.
Visit the Office of Teaching Initiatives website and click on ‘Search Certification Requirements’ for additional information on the specific requirements for these options, such as the documentation the state will accept as proof that the requirements have been fulfilled.
Initial CTE Certification
To obtain Initial certification applicants need to complete 40 days or more verified CTE teaching experience, nine credits of pedagogical coursework, and the work/education combinations in one of Options for the Transitional A certificate. The nine (9) credits must include course work in:
- Human development and learning including, but not limited to, the impact of culture, heritage, socioeconomic level, and factors in the home and community that may affect a student’s readiness to learn;
- Teaching students with disabilities and special healthcare needs within the general education classroom, including assistive technology; and
- Curriculum and/or instruction, including instructional technology.
Applicants for CTE certificates can apply for the Transitional A certificate and then progress to the initial CTE certificate OR apply directly for the initial CTE certificate based upon their individual work/education backgrounds.
Initial certificates are valid for five (5) years. During that time, CTE teachers complete the requirements for the Professional certificate.
Professional CTE Certification
To obtain Professional certification applicants need to have fulfilled the requirements for the initial certificates and complete an additional nine credits of pedagogical coursework in the following:
- Teaching Literacy Skills Methods
- Instruction and/or Assessment
- Classroom Management.
Applicants for the professional certificate must also:
- Pass the Educating All Students (EAS) certification exam; and
- Have three (3) years of teaching experience in the CTE field of their certificate.
CTE Certification Chart of Requirements
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Transitional A CTE Certificate (entry Level)
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Initial CTE Certificate (entry level)
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Professional CTE Certificate
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Option A: associates or higher degree in the CTE field plus two
(2) years of work experience in the CTE field.
Option B: high school diploma, Communicative and Quantitative Skills (CQST) certification exam, and four (4) years of work experience in the CTE field, .
Option C: Associates degree in the CTE field and two (2) years of teaching experience at the postsecondary level in the CTE field.
Option D: full
Bureau of Proprietary School Supervision (BPSS) license in the CTE field and two (2)
years of BPSS teaching experience in the CTE field.
Option G: high school diploma, two years of work experience in the CTE field, and an industry credential in the CTE field.
Option H: enrollment in a CTE program and either one year of work experience in the CTE field or passing score on an industry exam in the CTE field.
Option I: teaching certificate in grades 7-12 (any subject) and either one year of work experience in the CTE field or an industry related credential.
Option J: Bachelor’s degree and either one year of work experience in the CTE field or an industry credential in the CTE field.
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Any work/education combination from Transitional column, 40 days or more verified CTE teaching experience, and nine (9) education credits in:
- Human development and
learning including, but not limited to, the impact of culture, heritage, socioeconomic level, and factors in the home and community that may affect a student’s readiness to learn
- Teaching students with disabilities and special healthcare needs within the general education classroom, including assistive technology
- Curriculum and/or instruction, including instructional technology
Note: applicants can apply directly for the initial certificate if they possess
- the work/education background in Option A through J
- 40 days or more CTE teaching experience
- The nine (9) education credits listed above.
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Completion of the requirements for the initial certificate and an additional nine (9) education credits in the following:
- Teaching Literacy Skills Methods
- Instruction and/or Assessment
Educating All Students (EAS) certification exam.
Three (3) years teaching experience in the CTE certificate area.
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CTE Certification: Where to Start
Applicants first identify the specific CTE title that matches their educational background, work experience, or both. Applicants can verify available teaching positions using the OLAS system and/or checking individual school/BOCES websites.
Applicants then choose from one of two starting points, the Transitional A certificate or the Initial Teaching certificate, depending upon what requirements have already been met. To verify the requirements for either certificate, go to Office of Teaching Initiatives and click on ‘Search Certification Requirements’; enter either Transitional A or Initial for the ‘Certificate Type’. Note that the Transitional A certificate requires that the applicant has already received a job offer as a CTE teacher.
Once the entry-level certificate type has been identified, applicants can apply on their own directly to the state for a CTE certificate or they can choose to complete a state-approved teacher preparation program that leads to certification in Career & Technical Education. Those applying on their own can do so at the Office of Teaching Initiatives’ website or through any local BOCES that has a certification officer.
Individuals interested in the college program path should contact the colleges that offer CTE preparation programs: SUNY Oswego, Buffalo State College, and New York City College of Technology. Upon completion of these registered bachelor’s or master’s degree programs, the college submits a recommendation for CTE certification directly to the state for program graduates.
All applications for teacher certification are done using the state’s TEACH system. Applicants create their own TEACH account with a unique login ID and Password and apply for certificates on TEACH. This is true for individuals applying on their own as well as applicants who complete teacher education programs.
In terms of fulfilling the education course requirements, applicants can choose from a few options including but not limited to:
- College courses at regionally accredited colleges or universities. In NYS, applicants can take courses at colleges that offer teacher education programs as well as community colleges that offer education courses that feed into teacher education programs at 4-year institutions.
- NYSUT Education & Learning Trust: also known as ELT, the Trust partners with NYS colleges and universities to offer undergraduate and graduate courses in education that can be used to fulfill certification requirements.
- CLEP exams: applicants can earn college credit by successfully completing an exam. For example, the Human Growth & Development CLEP exam can be used to fulfill the competency area of human development and learning, required for the initial certificate.
- SUNY: SUNY provides access to education courses that are offered online by SUNY colleges and universities. Applicants for CTE certification can search for available courses at this site.
- NYS Teacher Centers: individual teacher centers often partner with NYS colleges and universities to offer courses for undergraduate or graduate credit. Applicants for CTE certification can contact a local teacher center to determine if the center offers courses that fulfill CTE certification requirements.
Sample Delivery Models for CTE at the Middle Level
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Current Delivery Model
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Sample Middle-level CTE only
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Sample
Middle-level CTE and Foundational High School CTE
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Sample
Middle-level CTE and Focused High School CTE
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CTE Program
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1 unit of Technology Education
.75 unit Home and Career Skills (FACS)
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1.75 unit CTE Theme Modules
supported by
CTE Content Modules
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1.75 unit CTE Theme Modules
supported by CTE Content
Modules and
.5 unit Careers and Financial
Management
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.75 unit CTE Theme Modules
supported by CTE Content
Modules and
1 unit high school CTE
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Teacher
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Technology Education
Family and Consumer Sciences
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Any certified CTE teacher depending on content modules chosen
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Any certified CTE teacher depending on content modules
chosen
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Any certified CTE teacher depending on content chosen
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Student Outcomes
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Student has fulfilled intermediate unit of study requirements
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Student has demonstrated attainment of intermediate standards
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Student has demonstrated attainment of intermediate standards prior to grade 8
Student is prepared for high school CTE coursework which begins in grade 8
Student has an employability profile
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Student has demonstrated attainment of intermediate standards prior to grade8
Student is prepared for focused content rich high school CTE which begins in grade 8
Student has an employability profile
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Appendix A: Career Clusters
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
- Agribusiness Systems
- Animal Systems
- Environmental Service Systems
- Food Products & Processing Systems
- Natural Resources Systems
- Plant Systems
- Power, Structural & Technical Systems Architecture & Construction
Architecture & Construction
- Construction
- Design/Pre-Construction
- Maintenance/Operations
Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
- A/V Technology & Film
- Journalism & Broadcasting
- Performing Arts
- Printing Technology
- Telecommunications
- Visual Arts
Business Management & Administration
- Administrative Support
- Business Information Management
- General Management
- Human Resources Management
- Operations Management
Education & Training
- Administration & Administrative Support
- Professional Support Services
- Teaching/Training
Finance
- Accounting
- Banking Services
- Business Finance
- Insurance
- Securities & Investments
Government & Public Administration
- Foreign Service
- Governance
- National Security
- Planning
- Public Management & Administration
- Regulation
- Revenue & Taxation
Health Sciences
- Biotechnology Research & Development
- Diagnostic Services
- Health Informatics
- Support Services
- Therapeutic Services
Hospitality & Tourism
- Lodging
- Recreation, Amusements & Attractions
- Restaurants & Food/Beverage Services
- Travel & Tourism
Human Services
- Consumer Services
- Counseling & Mental Health Services
- Early Childhood Development & Services
- Family & Community Services
- Personal Care Services
Information Technology
- Information Support & Services
- Network Systems
- Programming & Software Development
- Web & Digital Communications
Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
- Correction Services
- Emergency & Fire Management Services
- Law Enforcement Services
- Legal Services
- Security & Protective Services
Manufacturing
- Health, Safety & Environmental Assurance
- Logistics & Inventory Control
- Maintenance, Installation & Repair
- Manufacturing Production Process Dev.
- Production
- Quality Assurance
Marketing
- Marketing Communications
- Marketing Management
- Marketing Research
- Merchandising
- Professional Sales
Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
- Engineering & Technology
- Science & Mathematics
Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
- Facility & Mobile Equipment Maintenance
- Health, Safety & Environmental Management
- Logistics Planning & Management Services
- Sales & Service
- Transportation Operations
- Transportation Systems/Infrastructure Planning, Management & Regulation
- Warehousing & Distribution Center Operations
www.careertech.org/Career-Clusters
CP/mqc
7/2023