Located in:
- III. Operational Planning Elements
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above. Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs. This section must include—
- a. State Strategy Implementation
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—
- 2. Implementation of State Strategy
- a. State Strategy Implementation
III. a. 2. H. Improving Access to Postsecondary Credentials
Describe how the State’s strategies will improve access to activities leading to recognized postsecondary credentials, including Registered Apprenticeship certificates. This includes credentials that are industry-recognized certificates, licenses or certifications, and that are portable and stackable.
Current Narrative:
The four strategies described in Section (II)(c)(1) and (II)(c)(2) of this plan directly enhance access to post-secondary education and credentials: (1) develop career pathways aligned with target sector industries, (2) improve the effectiveness, quality, and coordination of programs and services designed to maintain a highly skilled workforce, (3) increase public awareness of and access to career education and training opportunities and (4) expand options for service delivery in rural areas.
Items one, two, and three in the above paragraph are closely related, in that a complete and effective career pathway includes multiple entry-points, including Registered Apprenticeship opportunities and certificates, for students of all skill levels, promoting a “no wrong door” approach to education and training. Item three above assists post-secondary institutions improve access to their programs and classes, including those supporting Registered Apprenticeships, in rural communities to reach historically underserved populations there by promoting models such as the “CTE Digital” model mentioned in Part (G) above.
As outlined in Section (II)(c)(1), the State’s strategy for implementing well-aligned career pathways relies heavily on efforts already underway at the Idaho of Career &Technical Education (ICTE). These efforts include alignment of articulation between secondary and post-secondary technical programs across the state, including pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship training opportunities, as well as the development of SkillStack®, ICTE’s micro-certification platform. Information about these projects is reiterated below, for ease of reference:
ICTE oversees approximately 701 secondary career-and-technical education programs in Idaho’s high schools, and the technical colleges housed within Idaho’s public higher education institutions. Currently, each secondary program maintains an individual articulation agreement with one of Idaho’s post-secondary institutions. ICTE spearheaded an effort to first align program learning outcomes across postsecondary institutions, and then align the secondary programs to those learning outcomes. A statewide articulation is in place for over 70 percent of programs with a projected completion for all programs in FY21, allowing secondary students to articulate seamlessly into any Idaho institution that offers their program of study.
To support the statewide articulation framework, ICTE developed Idaho SkillStack® - a micro certification/badging platform that communicates the competencies/skills that Idaho high school and postsecondary students demonstrate. The micro certifications/badges are stacked towards the award of postsecondary credit (i.e. once a student earns predefined badges, by demonstrating competency, they are eligible to convert the badges to credit), industry certifications and common skills required by Idaho employers for job openings. These badges provide visual progress towards an individual’s career goals."
UI claimants have the opportunity to receive postsecondary credentials while attending WIOA Title I-B or TAA training programs. UI claimants retain eligibility for UI benefits when attending these approved training programs as verified by an AJC career planner.