 Wishing You a Season of Gratitude and Joy!
As we wrap up the calendar year, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks for all that you do. Your dedication to students, your passion for your LPS pathways and your commitment to building future-ready graduates make a lasting impact every single day.
Whether you're celebrating Thanksgiving, preparing for the holidays or simply looking forward to a well-deserved break, I hope this season brings you joy, peace and time to recharge.
Here’s to a strong finish to 2025 and a bright, purpose-filled new year ahead!
With gratitude,
Erica
Deadline Extended: Please Participate: Equipment List Contributions Needed by November 21
As part of the Kentucky Department of Education's effort to strengthen statewide program advising and support new or expanding programs, we are compiling comprehensive equipment lists for each LPS pathway. These tools will help guide school and district leaders in budgeting, lab setup and long-term planning.
We need your expertise to ensure each list reflects the real instructional and operational needs of Kentucky’s classrooms.
What to Do:
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Open your program’s equipment spreadsheet below
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Add any essential instructional equipment, big or small, that supports course standards
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Include item name, brief description and whether the quantity is required or preferred (no pricing)
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Review and update existing entries for accuracy
Pathway-Specific Links:
Deadline: Friday, Nov. 21
Your input directly supports program growth and resource alignment across the state. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight!
For questions, reach out to Erica Settelen
CTSO Affiliation Deadline for Perkins: Dec. 1, 2025
Each year on Dec. 1, each career and technical education program area must have a sequence of courses that align to at least one career pathway per program area to use Perkins funds to assist with teacher expenses.
With the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Act in July 2018, a district/school may use funds from the Perkins Act for teacher travel expenses and substitute reimbursement expenses related to any career and technical student organization (CTSO). To use Perkins funds, each of the CTSOs must be an integral part of the career and technical education program and be affiliated at the state and national levels of the organization.
To use Perkins funds for the current year per program, you must affiliate with the appropriate CTSO by Dec. 1, 2025.
2026 KACTE Planning is Underway
Planning is already underway for the 2026 KACTE Summer Conference, and we want your voice at the table!
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Dates: July 20–23, 2026 (Monday–Thursday)
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Location: Galt House Hotel, Louisville
Note: Monday, July 20, will be reserved for pre-conference sessions.
We’re especially looking to feature teacher-led sessions that highlight classroom strategies, innovative practices, and real-world partnerships.
If you’re interested in facilitating a session or would like to recommend an industry or postsecondary partner willing to present, please reach out!
Contact: Erica Settelen
LPS Industry Certification Testing Reminders
As you prepare for certification testing this year, please review the checklist below to ensure smooth coordination and compliance.
Looking for templates and tools?
Everything you need – from tracking documents to student celebration templates – is available on the LPS Industry Certification webpage of the LPS Google Site.
Need help understanding career readiness and certifications? View the LPS Industry Certification Overview for a training video and PowerPoint.
Are you an LE Services teacher using STACC for exam administration? Check out the STACC platform webinar for a walkthrough from log-in to assessment.
Before Testing
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Ensure you are only administering approved industry certifications for your pathway. View the official certification list on KDE's Career and Technical Education Resources webpage.
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Example: CPR DOES NOT count as the BLS required credential for the Fire Science or LE Services stack.
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Select your testing dates early to align with your course pacing.
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Communicate with your administration about testing windows and needs.
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Order exams and request approval for any students who require testing accommodations.
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Ensure an appropriate funding source is selected based on student pathway status, i.e., explorer versus concentrator.
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Reserve an appropriate space for administering the test.
NOTE for LE teachers: Are you giving the NLEC? Consider using the NLEC Test Prep Booklets created by Scott Carnes, The HILL, LE Instructor
If You’re Administering the Exam
If You’re Not Administering the Exam
After Testing
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Submit ALL results – both pass and fail – to your building assessment coordinator, counselor or supervising administrator over assessment results or tracking.
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Provide certification copies to:
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Work with your TEDS coordinator to ensure all certification outcomes (pass/fail) are entered into TEDS.
This process ensures accurate accountability, supports postsecondary readiness tracking and reflects on your school's State Report Card.
Thank you for staying on top of these critical steps!
2025 AHA BLS Updates & Re-Certification Information
The American Heart Association (AHA) has released its 2025 Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider Course updates, which include revised guidelines, instructional tools and course delivery changes. Instructors currently teaching or facilitating BLS as part of the LPS Industry Certification stack should review the updates to stay current.
Review the Updates:
Instructional Resources:
Access templates, planning guides and American Heart Association-aligned tools for classroom implementation here:
Need to Re-Certify?
If you were previously certified through a KDE-provided training and need to re-certify under the new 2025 standards, please reach out directly to
Joyce Parker.
Staying current ensures your students continue receiving high-quality, up-to-date instruction aligned to industry-recognized credentials.
OSHA-10 Removal Proposal Under Review for Fire Science Stack
The Fire Science Business Education Alignment Taskforce Team has voted to propose the removal of the OSHA-10 certification from the Fire Science postsecondary readiness stack.
Important: This is the first step in a multi-phase approval process. The proposal will be presented to the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board in December.
If approved, official removal of OSHA-10 could take effect beginning Spring 2026.
In the meantime, OSHA-10 remains a required industry certification for students completing the Fire Science pathway. Please continue to monitor your email and the Valid Industry Certification List spreadsheet for updates.
View the official certification list on KDE's Career and Technical Education Resources webpage.
Thank you for your continued attention to credential alignment and postsecondary readiness requirements.
Certification Update: ALP to LSP – Name Change Only, No Content Change
Thank you to all schools offering the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) exam as part of your pre-law pathway. Your work continues to provide students with meaningful first steps into careers in the legal field.
In partnership with LAPSEN and NALS, we want to inform you of a recent update to the credential’s title:
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the ALP will be renamed the Certified Legal Support Professional (LSP).
Important Note: Per LAPSEN, there is no change to the exam’s content or structure. This is strictly a name change to better reflect the skills and qualifications students gain.
To ensure alignment with Kentucky’s accountability system:
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KDE will pursue an update to the Valid Industry Certification List and TEDS to reflect the new name.
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Until the update is officially approved and posted, ALP remains the valid credential for postsecondary readiness for pre-law pathways.
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The updated name information and branded support materials will be available on the NALS website in January.
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This doesn’t change any student who has earned the ALPs post-secondary readiness status.
Thank You for Advancing Certification Access in LPS Pathways
A sincere thank you to the instructors who completed the Technical Update Training for American Heart Association Basic Life Support and Stop the Bleed. Your commitment to professional development not only strengthens your own instructional practice – it also directly expands certification opportunities for your students.
By earning these instructor-level credentials, you are now equipped to facilitate high-quality, hands-on certification training that aligns with Kentucky's Fire Science and Law Enforcement Services certification stacks. These credentials are not just résumé builders, they're real-world, life-saving skills that enhance student preparedness and postsecondary readiness.
We’re grateful for your dedication to empowering students with relevant, industry-recognized certifications that make a difference both in and beyond the classroom.
 Jermaine Poynter and a SkillsUSA student representative at the 2025 Washington Leadership Training Institute.
Honoring Excellence: Jermaine Poynter Receives National Statesman Award with SkillsUSA
Please join us in congratulating Jermaine Poynter, currently a Law Enforcement Services Pathway instructor at Henderson County High School, on receiving the prestigious SkillsUSA National Statesman Award at this year’s Washington Leadership Training Institute's awards ceremony!
The National Statesman Award honors individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, civic engagement, and a commitment to empowering students through SkillsUSA. Poynter’s recognition at the national level reflects his ongoing dedication to student development both in and beyond the classroom.
KDE is proud to celebrate his achievements and grateful for the leadership he brings to the LPS community every day.
Pre-Law Pathway Spotlight: Butler Partners with Becker Law Office
WKDE is excited to highlight a new community partnership that brings real-world legal experience directly into the classroom! Becker Law Office in Louisville has launched a collaboration with Butler High School’s Pre-Law Pathway, along with other Jefferson County pre-law programs.
Through this partnership, Becker Law Office will:
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Serve on school advisory boards;
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Judge mock trial scrimmages to give students authentic feedback; and
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Provide Zoom access to real court proceedings so students can observe live legal hearings during class.
This initiative strengthens the connection between classroom instruction and the legal profession, helping students develop courtroom literacy, critical thinking, and exposure to real legal careers.
Media Feature: The partnership was recently highlighted on WAVE 3 with a Butler High School student joining the studio segment!
Watch the Segment: Listens Live! Becker Law Office – October 15, 2025
 Fire Science Students Take On the CPAT Challenge
Students in the Firefighting Science program recently stepped up to the challenge at the Kentucky Fire Commission, where they took on the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) – the same demanding physical exam required for entry into the professional firefighting field.
This high-intensity, timed test simulates real-life emergency tasks such as stair climbs, hose drags, ladder raises, forcible entry and rescue drags. While CPAT success isn’t a program requirement, students train for it regularly, demonstrating true commitment, discipline and teamwork.
Congratulations to HILL students Antar Sher, Levi Vissing and Hyrum Purcell for successfully completing the CPAT! Your grit and determination are setting the standard for what it means to be a future first responder.
Resource Spotlight – Xplorlabs | LAPSEN
Looking for a way to tie fire service concepts to high school-level instruction?
Check out the new Xplorlabs | LAPSEN alignment tool built specifically for fire science educators!
This resource helps instructors find ready-to-use, standards-aligned content based on vocabulary directly pulled from the two leading high school Fire textbooks. Teachers can quickly connect to relevant lesson materials and simulations that align with the concepts they’re already teaching.
Whether you're new to the program or looking to enrich your content, this tool offers an innovative way to bridge classroom learning with hands-on, real-world science.
This style of crosswalk resource is a first-of-its-kind from their institute. They welcome your feedback or suggestions for improvement.
ICYMI: Kentucky Fire Commission Methodology Courses for Fire Science Instructors
Attention fire science instructors! Several Instructional Methodology Update VILT (Virtual Instructor Led Training) courses have been scheduled through the end of the year to help meet the Kentucky Fire Instructor recertification requirement of eight hours of Category BB Methodology every four years.
This is a convenient option to stay compliant. To register, use the links below to sign up anytime before the course begins.
Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the course link (check your spam folder if it doesn’t appear). Please note: Participants must keep their cameras on and remain attentive throughout the course, per Kentucky Fire Commission VILT rules.
Upcoming Courses:
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Methodology Update Course 11/24 (BB0003)
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Methodology Update Course 12/3 (BB0003)
This information has been shared via email to all fire science instructors. If you have questions, please contact Casey Hall.
Need Classroom Management Support?
Looking to refine your classroom management techniques? Harry and Rosemary Wong offer an interactive eLearning course designed to help educators structure and organize their classrooms effectively. Sign-up for the Wong Classroom Management course today if you're interested in taking advantage of this training!
Through engaging videos, practical assignments and real-world examples, you'll develop a personalized classroom management plan to foster a positive learning environment.
Course Highlights:
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Eight comprehensive modules covering essential classroom management strategies.
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Access to effective teaching videos and testimonials from practicing educators.
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Creation of a personalized classroom management plan binder.
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90-day access to course materials for flexible learning.
 ICYMI: Deadline Approaching FY26 CTE Innovation and Support Grant Opportunity
The Kentucky Department of Education's (KDE's) Office of Career and Technical Education is excited to announce the FY26 CTE Innovation and Support Request for Applications. This grant is designed to foster innovation in new or emerging career fields within CTE schools, CTE programs in comprehensive high schools and area technology centers.
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Grant Applications Due: By 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 20
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Award Amount: $100,000 per awarded school
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Matching Funds Requirement: None
This funding can provide meaningful support for expanding innovation and strengthening CTE programs.
New Tool Spotlight: Peerless VR
Peerless VR is a virtual reality simulator that places students in realistic law enforcement scenarios – perfect for courses focused on decision-making, de-escalation and use-of-force. Instructors control every variable, creating a safe, immersive way to build judgment and response skills.
Explore the technology and its impact on the Peerless VR website
Fire Science Articulated Credit: Don’t Let Your Students Miss the Opportunity!
Did you know your students can earn college credit after graduation for what they learned in their high school Fire Science Pathway through Kentucky’s articulated credit agreements with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)?
To support this process, a folder of helpful materials has been created for you to share with students and families: Articulated Credit Resources
Includes:
- PowerPoint and Training Screencast: What is articulated credit?
- Student/Family letter template to customize for advising them on the opportunities available to them
- A video walkthrough on how to apply
Students must complete and submit the CTE2KCTCS Fire Science Form digitally and include their final high school transcript when requesting credit for prior learning.
Early advising is key. Please discuss this opportunity with students early and often so they don’t miss their chance to carry their Fire Science learning into postsecondary credit.
For more information, reach out to Erica Settelen
 KY Transition 360 for Educators – Applications Open!
Are you ready to join a dynamic community of educators focused on improving post-school outcomes for students with disabilities? Applications are now open for the next cohort of KY Transition 360 for Educators, part of Kentucky’s State Personnel Development Grant.
Flexible & Self-Paced
This asynchronous professional learning series strengthens your skills in transition education and includes a $750 stipend for participants!
Proven Impact
More than 270 educators have already completed the program. Educators report increased confidence in helping students build soft skills, plan for their future and navigate career pathways.
As Tom Springer, a CTE Teacher at Russell ATC, shared:
“Transition 360 has pushed me to look at my program through a wider lens, ... giving students the tools they need beyond just technical skills – like confidence, soft skills and planning for their next steps.”
Spots are limited. Apply today.
Save the Date: 95th Annual Kentucky State Fire School – June 10–14, 2026
Mark your calendars! The 95th Annual Kentucky State Fire School will take place June 10–14, 2026 in Lexington at the Central Bank Center, with accommodations available at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown (reservation details coming Spring 2026).
This statewide event features high-quality hands-on training, and we’re especially excited about the Junior Firefighter courses available again this year! These sessions are ideal for Fire Science students and instructors, and completed hours will be submitted to Acadis following the event.
Don’t miss the Exhibit and Vendor Showcase, happening Friday, June 12 for a great chance to explore the latest gear and connect with industry professionals.
Stay tuned this spring for registration and hotel booking info. We can’t wait to see you in Lexington!
Questions?
Contact: Kentucky Fire Commission
State Fire Rescue Training
110 Cleveland Drive, Paris, KY 40361
(800) 782-6823
KACTE Online Learning Center Offering CTE Learn Course Modules Free for Kentucky CTE Professionals
Go to Kentucky ACTE - Online Learning Center and use the access code MK903213 to waive the fee for these courses.
Learn more with this CTE Learn promotional flyer.
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