Good Luck to Our SkillsUSA State Competitors!
Best of luck to all Law and Public Safety students competing at the Kentucky SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference on March 31-April 2 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Louisville.
We are especially excited to cheer on competitors in Criminal Justice, Tactical Team, Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) and Firefighting events. These competitions showcase the technical skills, teamwork, and professionalism students have developed through your programs.
A sincere thank you to the advisors who invest countless hours preparing students for these events. Your dedication creates powerful, life-changing opportunities for students to grow, compete and represent their programs at the highest level.
I look forward to seeing many of you there!
For SkillsUSA-related questions, please contact Jermaine Poynter.
From left: Trooper Hayden Mullins, Trooper Alex Watkins, and Trooper Jace Fugate
Program Spotlight: Students to State Troopers
Congratulations to the Breathitt County Law Enforcement Services pathway on an incredible milestone. Three former students from the program, taught by Instructor Kenneth Spicer, recently graduated from the Kentucky State Police Academy Cadet Class 106.
Stories like this highlight the real impact LPS programs are having across Kentucky, preparing students for meaningful careers in public service and strengthening the pipeline into law enforcement professions.
Have a great story to share? Please complete the Office of Career and Technical Education story submission form, which goes directly to KDE's OCTE Creative Communications Lead Nathan Lyttle.
 2026 Bath County High School Mock Cats Mock Trial Team, Instructor Ryan Utterback
 2026 Jessamine CTC Mock Trial Team, Instructor Will Hall
Mock Trial Momentum: Pre-Law Programs Shine at State
Kentucky’s Pre-Law pathways continue to demonstrate the power of applied learning through participation in the Kentucky High School Mock Trial Association competitions.
Congratulations to the Jessamine County ATC Pre-Law Program, where students representing both East and West Jessamine secured 3rd place at the regional competition, earning their spot in the 2026 State Mock Trial Tournament. Under the leadership of Instructor Will Hall, the team showcased exceptional legal reasoning, courtroom presence and teamwork to advance to the state level.
Also earning statewide recognition was the Bath County High School Mock Trial Team, which finished the 2026 State Tournament with an impressive Top 5 finish. Team members included Matthew Coyle, Taelyn Johnson, Katie Pruitt, Ashlyn Ratliff, Hurley Short, Karson Tolle, Carly Bowling, Sarah Coffey, Kylee Hodson and timekeeper Wyatt Lewis.
A special congratulations goes to Taelyn Johnson, who was named a Top 10 Witness in the state and achieved the highest witness score among all competitors.
These accomplishments highlight the dedication of students and the leadership of teachers who bring authentic courtroom experiences into Kentucky classrooms, preparing students for future careers in law, public service and civic leadership.
2026 Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education (KACTE) Summer Conference
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Conference Dates: July 20-23 (Monday-Thursday)
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Location: Galt House Hotel, Louisville
Registration for the KACTE Summer Conference is now open. Be sure to bring your school laptop or device to maximize collaboration, resource sharing, and networking. Some sessions will require them!
This conference is an opportunity to stay connected and explore new ideas, resources and partnerships to support your Law and Public Safety (LPS) classroom.
Perkins funds can often be used for conference attendance; discuss it with your administration today!
Future KACTE Conference Dates
- July 19-22, 2027
- July 17-20, 2028
2026 KACTE Important Events
Monday, July 20
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There are no LPS sessions scheduled on Monday. Conference check-in opens that evening.
Tuesday, July 21
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LPS State Consultant Update Session
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Lunch and informal LPS Consultant Q&A / Resource Exploration
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LPS breakout sessions begin, including topics such as Fire Science, FBI Teen Academy, SkillsUSA and Peerless VR de-escalation training
Wednesday, July 22
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LPS breakout sessions continue with offerings including 911 dispatching curriculum, backward design, National Law Enforcement Exam administration and success, digital breakout strategies, SkillsUSA, and iCEV lessons for LPS classrooms.
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Additional general CTE sessions may also be of interest, including SkillsUSA, project-based learning, AI and supplemental funding topics.
Thursday, July 23
Please refer to the LPS one-pager for the full LPS program session list and schedule details.
2026 KACTE Conference App, Registration and Lodging
Be sure to download the Sched app for digital access to the conference program. Details will be sent directly to the email address used during registration.
Registration and Hotel Information
Registration for the KACTE Summer Conference is open. Complete your conference registration through the KACTE registration process.
Hotel reservations may be made through the Galt House reservation link or by calling (800) 843-4258 and referencing the group code below. Do not delay your booking! Rooms sell out every year, which results in booking at an alternate location from the conference site.
Rates do not include parking.
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West Tower – Deluxe Guestrooms: $172 per night
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East Tower – Executive Suites: $192 per night
New Resource: Final Draft Equipment Lists Now Available for Reference
As part of KDE’s effort to strengthen statewide program guidance and support new or expanding pathways, final draft equipment lists have been developed for each Law and Public Safety pathway. These documents are intended to serve as a planning reference for schools and districts related to budgeting, lab setup, program expansion and long-term sustainability.
Pathway-Specific Links:
Thank you to the educators who contributed feedback and helped ensure these lists better reflect the instructional and operational needs of Kentucky classrooms!
STACC Updates: Pricing, Resources, and Testing Support
For teachers using STACC to administer the CPO, NLEC and/or NECI 9-1-1 exams, please note that pretest and exam pricing has increased by $2 since the 2024-2025 school year.
When ordering, be sure to use your LAPSEN membership pricing. KDE pays for this membership annually on your behalf.
Please remember that LAPSEN designed all three of these assessments. STACC is the vendor platform used to purchase exams, administer testing and provide performance data reports.
Helpful STACC resources include:
These resources can help answer questions related to:
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ordering and the exam process
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testing accommodations
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cut scores
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pre/post exam data
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instructor tools and reports
Important Reminders
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Exam codes expire 12 months after purchase or at the end of the school year.
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If students earn one of these credentials, the certification itself does not expire.
If you have questions about the testing platform, contact STACC directly:
If you have exam content questions after reviewing the resources above, email Tom Washburn at LAPSEN.
2026 LAPSEN National Conference – Forward Planning
The LAPSEN National Conference will be held in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and takes place in conjunction with ACTE CareerTech VISION. This event brings together Law and Public Safety educators from across the country to share resources, instructional strategies, and emerging trends in LPS education.
The current schedule includes pre-conference sessions on Nov. 30, followed by the main conference sessions on Dec. 1-2.
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Pre-conference topics currently listed include Drones for LPS (NFPA 2400), CSI Micro-credentialing, Law Enforcement Micro-credentialing, and the NECI 911 Dispatch Instructor Course.
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The conference also includes the annual State of LPS session, networking opportunities, and access to ACTE CareerTech VISION sessions beginning later in the week.
Hotel accommodations are available through the ACTE conference room block, and full conference information can be found on the LAPSEN National Conference website.
LAPSEN is also accepting session proposals for the 2026 conference. Educators interested in presenting must submit the 2026 Call for Speakers form by Oct. 1, and each presenter or co-presenter must complete the submission individually. Speakers receive a reduced conference registration rate; however, travel and lodging expenses are not covered.
If attending the 2026 conference is of interest, now is the time to begin conversations with your administration regarding travel approval and potential Perkins funding for the 2026-2027 school year. Early planning helps ensure you can be approved and secure class coverage.
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Summer Program Opportunities for Students
Many summer programs provide valuable opportunities for students to explore careers, build skills and strengthen their interest in Law and Public Safety pathways. These experiences can complement your classroom instruction while helping students make meaningful connections to postsecondary programs and careers.
A growing list of opportunities is available on the LPS Student Enrichment Opportunities webpage on the LPS Google Site. Please consider reviewing and sharing these options with students who may benefit.
If you are aware of additional summer programs, camps or enrichment experiences that align with LPS pathways, please share them so they can be added to the list and made available to teachers statewide.
If you would like to recommend a program, please reach out to Erica Settelen.
Student Opportunity: Kentucky State Police Youth Academy
The Kentucky State Police is offering a free Youth Academy for Kentucky students ages 16-17, scheduled for June 28-July 2 during the Kentucky High School Athletic Association dead period.
This program gives students the chance to build confidence, strengthen discipline and explore both sworn and civilian law enforcement career pathways through a hands-on academy experience.
Teachers, counselors and school leaders are encouraged to share this opportunity with interested students.
FEMA IS Course Access Update
The Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE) is aware that instructors and students have experienced intermittent access issues with FEMA Independent Study (IS) courses, largely due to federal funding disruptions impacting the FEMA training platform.
We recognize that these outages may affect 12th-grade students in the 2026 cohort who are working to complete the FEMA IS course component within the Law Enforcement Services and Fire Science industry certification stacks.
OCTE is currently exploring alternative options and potential solutions to address this issue. One option under consideration is a temporary waiver for the FEMA IS component of the certification stack for the 2026 cohort only. This approach is being evaluated to help ensure that school postsecondary readiness indicators are not negatively impacted by circumstances outside of local control.
Please note that no final decision has been made at this time, and all other components of the certification stack would still be required, even if a waiver process is ultimately approved.
Additional updates will be shared directly via email with all LPS instructors as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please continue monitoring FEMA course availability and completing requirements when the system is accessible.
Update: OSHA-10 Removal Proposal for Fire Science Stack
The proposal to remove OSHA-10 from the Fire Science postsecondary readiness certification stack has advanced to the final review stage of the approval process.
If approved during this final cycle, the change will prompt an update to the Valid Industry Certification List spreadsheet maintained by KDE. Until an official update is issued, OSHA-10 remains a required certification within the Fire Science pathway stack.
If OSHA-10 is officially removed from the stack, schools may still choose to offer the credential as part of their local program. However, any associated funding sources or justification for purchase would need to be adjusted to reflect its removal from the state-approved postsecondary readiness list.
Once a final determination is made, all Fire Science instructors will receive a direct email notification outlining the outcome and next steps.
Thank you for your patience throughout the review process and for your continued attention to maintaining alignment with Kentucky’s postsecondary readiness requirements.
View the official certification list on KDE's Career and Technical Education Resources webpage.
ICYMI: ALP to LSP Update
LSP teacher guides are currently in development and are expected to be released in summer 2026. Please keep an eye on the NALS website for updates.
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the Accredited Legal Professional (ALP) was renamed the Legal Support Professional (LSP).
Important: Per LAPSEN, this is a name change only. There is no change to the exam content or structure.
KDE will pursue updates to the Valid Industry Certification List and TEDS to align with the new credential name. Until that update is officially approved and posted, ALP remains the valid credential for postsecondary readiness within the Pre-Law pathway.
This change does not affect students who have already earned postsecondary readiness and have a certificate showing ALP.
Resource Spotlight: TrialPro Interactive Courtroom Simulator
Looking for a way to help students experience the courtroom process in a more interactive way? The TrialPro platform offers a simulated courtroom environment where students can step into the role of an attorney and practice key advocacy skills.
Through its courtroom simulator and mock trial case resources, students can build understanding of:
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Rules of Evidence
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When and how to make objections
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Courtroom procedure
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Direct and cross-examination techniques
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Proper questioning structure and legal ethics
The platform also includes a free mock trial case library and additional instructional resources that can support classroom instruction, mock trial teams and pre-law pathway activities.
Teachers interested in exploring the platform can learn more at TrialPro
Resource Spotlight: Adding More Technology to Your LPS Program
Looking to expand the technology tools available in your Law and Public Safety classroom? Several platforms may be worth exploring if you are interested in strengthening simulation, scenario-based learning, and professional documentation skills within your program.
911Simulators.com offers reality-based dispatcher simulation systems that allow students to practice procedures and protocols in a safe, recorded environment. These tools can support skill development in communication, multitasking, accuracy and emergency response.
Laser Ammo’s Smokeless Range is a simulation platform designed to support judgment, decision-making and use-of-force training. It may be a helpful resource for programs focused on scenario-based law enforcement instruction and applied safety training.
SmartDraw provides a professional diagramming tool that can support a wide range of LPS instructional needs. Teachers and students can use it to create items such as crime scene diagrams, accident reconstructions, flowcharts, timelines, fire pre-plans, evacuation plans, emergency response protocols and fire scene reconstructions.
If you are interested in exploring these tools, additional information is available through Learning Labs, a long-standing education vendor focused on hands-on career and technical education resources.
Schools interested in quotes or purchasing details can contact Learning Labs representative Jarratt Bryan by email or call (706) 346-8731 or (800) 334-4943.
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
Material Included:
- PowerPoint and Training Screencast: What is articulated credit?
- Student/Family letter template to customize for advising them on the opportunities available to them; and
- 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
Save the Date: 95th Annual Kentucky State Fire School Scheduled for June 10-14
Mark your calendars! The 95th Annual Kentucky State Fire School will take place June 10-14 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; completed hours will be submitted to Acadis following the event.
Don’t miss the Exhibit and Vendor Showcase, happening 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
(800) 782-6823
Work-Based Learning Resources and Support
If you are exploring ways to expand work-based learning opportunities for your students, several resources are available to help you navigate the process. A slide deck on navigating work-based learning is available to support local planning and implementation. Teachers are also encouraged to review KDE’s Work-Based Learning Manual and Work-Based Learning Resource webpage, which include guidance, sample forms, promotional materials and information on models such as job shadowing, mentoring, internships, cooperative education, school-based enterprise and youth apprenticeship.
The Adecco Youth Employment Solutions (YES) Work-Based Learning Program may also be a helpful option for schools and employers working through common barriers such as child labor laws and workers’ compensation coverage. Through this model, Adecco can serve as the employer of record while helping coordinate payroll, human resources responsibilities, and ongoing student support. The program was developed in partnership with KDE, the Labor Cabinet, and more than 21 school districts to connect classroom learning with meaningful on-the-job experiences. To date, more than 100 students have participated, and 93% secured permanent employment in their field after completing their work-based learning experience.
For pathway-specific course code information related to work-based learning, please continue to reference the Program of Studies.
For work-based learning questions, please contact Tina Brogli. For Adecco YES Program questions, please contact Mary Taylor
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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