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ACTE's Region III Conference 2026
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High School Career and Technical Education Admissions Best Practices
Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
MSC Birch - 1st Floor
Career and Technical Education (CTE) plays a critical role in preparing students for successful transitions to postsecondary education and the workforce. Research consistently demonstrates that students who participate in CTE programs experience higher graduation rates, stronger engagement in school, and improved employment outcomes. For students with disabilities and other special populations, these programs can be particularly impactful because they provide hands-on learning experiences, opportunities to develop employability skills, and access to real-world career exploration. However, despite these benefits, many students with disabilities still encounter barriers that limit their access to high-quality CTE programs.


This session will explore how special education leaders, administrators, and CTE professionals can work collaboratively to remove systemic barriers and create inclusive pathways that allow all students to benefit from career-focused education. Presenters will examine common challenges that prevent equitable access to CTE programs, including admissions criteria that may unintentionally exclude students with disabilities, limited alignment between Individualized Education Program (IEP) transition planning and career pathways, and uncertainty among educators regarding appropriate accommodations and instructional supports within technical programs.


Participants will gain a deeper understanding of federal and state expectations related to equitable access in CTE, including guidance from civil rights regulations and the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V). The session will highlight how equitable enrollment practices, transparent admissions criteria, and ongoing program review can help ensure that CTE programs reflect the diversity of the broader student population and provide opportunities for all learners.


The presentation will also focus on practical strategies for supporting students with disabilities once they enroll in CTE programs. Participants will explore how collaboration between special education staff, CTE instructors, counselors, and administrators can strengthen transition planning and ensure that career pathways align with students’ interests, strengths, and postsecondary goals. Examples of accommodations, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and instructional supports that maintain high expectations while increasing access to technical content will be discussed.


In addition, the session will highlight innovative workforce development strategies that connect students with disabilities to meaningful career experiences. Participants will learn how Registered Youth Apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities can provide students with paid, structured training experiences while they are still in high school. These partnerships not only support successful postsecondary transitions for students but also help address workforce shortages by preparing the next generation of skilled workers.


Throughout the session, presenters will share real-world examples, data, and tools that administrators can use to review their own CTE policies and practices. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies for improving equitable access, strengthening collaboration between special education and CTE programs, and expanding career pathway opportunities for students with disabilities.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Herrman

Amy Herrman

Career Education Special Needs Planner, Missouri Department of Education, University of Missouri Science and Technology
Dr. Amy Herrman serves as the Career Education Special Needs Planner (CESNP) for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from William Woods University and a Master’s degree from the University of Missouri–Columbia... Read More →
avatar for Jim Pritchett

Jim Pritchett

Registered Youth Apprenticeship Consultant, Missouri Department of Education (DESE), South Central RPDC, Missouri University of Science and Tech
Dr. James Pritchett serves as a Registered Youth Apprenticeship (RYA) Consultant for the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, supporting schools, employers, and communities across the South Central and Southeast regions through the Regional Professional Development... Read More →
Wednesday June 17, 2026 10:45am - 11:35am PDT
MSC Birch - 1st Floor University of Wisconsin-Stout, 302 10th Ave E, Menomonie, WI 54751
  Concurrent Session

Attendees (2)


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