The End of the School Year is Near!
As the countdown to summer begins, I want to take a moment to thank you for the dedication, flexibility and commitment you’ve shown throughout this school year. The work you do to support students in Law and Public Safety pathways does not go unnoticed, and it continues to make a meaningful impact across the Commonwealth.
I hope the weeks ahead bring opportunities to wrap up the year with pride and to recharge over the summer. I also look forward to seeing many of you at the KACTE Summer Conference (July 21-23) for continued professional learning, collaboration and connection with colleagues across the state.
Wishing you a strong finish to the school year and a well-deserved, restful summer ahead. I look forward to connecting with you soon.
Erica
 Instructor Scott Carnes and students at The HILL celebrate earning LAPSEN’s 2026 National Program of Excellence.
The HILL Earns National Recognition for Excellence
Congratulations to The HILL (Hub for Innovative Learning & Leadership) in Fayette County and Instructor Scott Carnes, Law Enforcement Services, for earning the 2026 National Industry‑Certified Program of Excellence designation from the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN)!
This honor recognizes The HILL’s outstanding Law and Public Safety program for its rigorous curriculum, hands‑on learning and strong industry partnerships. Even more impressive – The HILL is the first program in Kentucky and the 40th in the nation to achieve this distinction.
We’re proud of this incredible accomplishment and encourage all educators to learn more about the certification process by visiting the LPS Google Site.
Register Today! 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 and closes in early June. 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. This information also will be available via the Sched app. Download in your mobile Android or Apple App Store today.
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.
The Galt House Hotel
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
Conference Overflow Hotel Information
If you need additional lodging, please check the Galt House first – either by phone or through the booking link – to confirm whether any cancellations have opened up before reserving an overflow option.
Embassy Suites Louisville Downtown
501 South Fourth St., Louisville
Overflow Hotel Booking Link
An Investment in the Future of Fire Science Students in JCPS
Fern Creek High School (Jefferson County) proudly celebrated the opening of its new Fire Science facility, an important milestone for career and technical education and for students preparing for careers in emergency services. Designed to support authentic, real-world training, the new building expands opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences that mirror industry expectations.
“This new facility is a giant step toward providing real-world, hands-on experience for our students,” said Mark LaMaster, Fire Science Teacher at Fern Creek High School. “It represents the culmination of a shared vision between our district and school leadership and many dedicated community partners. Our students are excited to learn and train in this incredible space every day. Career and technical education is thriving at Fern Creek High School!”
The new facility stands as a powerful example of how collaboration and vision can create meaningful learning environments that prepare students for high-demand career pathways.
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Fire Science and Law Enforcement Pathway Updates for Industry Certifications
FEMA Independent Study (IS) Course Access Update
Access to the FEMA Independent Study (IS) platform has been restored, and students may again be able to register for and complete required courses.
Please note that FEMA staffing and operations remain impacted, and the following issues may still occur:
- Technical support may be intermittent
- Course functionality and/or certificate issuance issues may persist
At this time, programs are asked to:
- Continue facilitating opportunities for students to complete FEMA IS certifications, with the 2026 senior cohort as the top priority.
- Closely monitor student progress and maintain documentation for TEDS data entry and cumulative student folders.
- Report any certificate issuance issues promptly to KDE's Office of Career and Technical Education (OCTE).
OCTE is continuing to explore a potential waiver option; however, no determination has been made. Our primary focus remains supporting the 2026 seniors who may be most impacted as the school year concludes.
Please continue coordinating any concerns with your local TEDS point of contact and/or administration.
OSHA-10 Removal from Fire Science Certification Stack for the 2026-2027 School Year
At its April 16 meeting, the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) approved the Fire Science BEAT Team recommendation to remove OSHA-10 from the Fire Science industry certification stack. The phaseout timeline has been accelerated, with OSHA-10 fully removed beginning with the 2026–2027 school year (effective July 1, 2026).
Important clarification for the current (2025–2026) cohort:
- OSHA-10 is still required for the 2026 senior cohort to meet accountability expectations due to regulatory requirements.
- While flexibility was explored, approval to waive OSHA-10 for this school year was not granted.
- Programs are thanked for their continued efforts to support students amid varied local implementation timelines.
What this means moving forward:
- The updated certification stack (without OSHA-10) will be the official requirement beginning in 2026-2027.
- The OCTE Data Team will update the Valid Industry Certification List in the coming months for next school year.
- Official updates will be posted on the KDE Career and Technical Education Resources webpage.
2026–2027 Fire Science Certification Stack
Required:
- FEMA IS-100, IS-200, IS-700, IS-800
- State-Approved Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Stop the Bleed
Plus ONE of the following:
- KY Fire Commission Apprentice I (100 hours) and/or II (200 hours)
- CPAT
- KY Fire Commission Basic 1 (115 hours)
- KY Fire Commission Basic 2 (300 hours)
- NREMT EMR
- NREMT EMT
Legacy Stack (through June 30, 2026):
- OSHA-10 remains required for postsecondary readiness
- Ensure all earned credentials are entered into TEDS by June 30, 2026
- If FEMA IS courses are in progress but incomplete, document progress, retain certificates and update coordinators once all four courses are completed
Thank you for your patience and flexibility as these updates were finalized. These adjustments provide greater flexibility moving forward while ensuring current regulatory requirements are met. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns.
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Student Opportunity: ABC Investigative Aide Program
The Kentucky Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is seeking students interested in serving as investigative aides as part of the Commonwealth’s efforts to prevent underage alcohol and tobacco sales.
Investigative Aides are youth ages 16-20 who participate in supervised “controlled buy” inspections alongside ABC investigators. During these operations, students attempt to purchase alcohol or tobacco products while investigators observe retailer compliance with state law.
This opportunity allows students to:
- Gain exposure to real-world regulatory and investigative work;
- Support public health and community safety efforts;
- Learn more about careers connected to law enforcement and compliance; and
- Earn $15 per hour with flexible scheduling coordinated directly with investigators.
Program Requirements
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Tobacco Investigative Aides: Ages 16-20
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Alcohol Investigative Aides: Ages 18-20
- Background checks are required for alcohol program participants.
- Students ages 16-17 also must have principal permission.
- Applicants should present themselves as typical teenagers during operations.
Application Requirements
Applications must include:
- Applicant signature;
- Parent/guardian signature (if under 18);
- Copy of birth certificate; and
- Recent photograph.
Students interested in applying can create an account and apply through the ABC Portal.
This may be an excellent opportunity for students interested in careers connected to law enforcement, investigations, compliance or public service.
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Student Opportunity: Kentucky Bar Association “Why Choose Law?” Program
The Kentucky Bar Association Young Lawyers Division is hosting the annual “Why Choose Law?” Program on Friday, June 5, at the University of Louisville Brandeis College of Law.
This one-day event is open to:
- High school juniors and seniors
- College students interested in legal careers
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Learn about law school admissions
- Hear from current law students and attorneys
- Explore different legal career pathways
- Participate in a mock law school class
- Network with legal professionals
- Participate in courthouse or law office experiential learning opportunities
Location: University of Louisville Brandeis College of Law
A registration/application is required. Applications can be submitted through the link on the flyer or directly via the application link.
Please pass the attached flyer and/or the blurb above to any students (HS-Jr & Sr; College-All), colleagues, guidance counselors, or administrators. Please direct any questions to William Baird or kison@grayice.com.
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; and
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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.
Legal Studies Conference Opportunity
LAPSEN is excited to partner with the National Association for Legal Secretaries (NALS) to offer a full day of professional learning for Legal Services pathway instructors this October.
Sessions will focus on strengthening legal pathways, building and sustaining programs, and exploring industry topics such as ethics. Instructors will have the opportunity to network with others teaching in the pathway and are welcome to stay for the remainder of the conference.
Learn more and register on the NALS website.
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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.
Fatal Vision® Impairment Goggles
Fatal Vision® Alcohol Goggles provide students with a powerful, hands-on learning experience focused on impaired driving, underage drinking and substance abuse prevention. By simulating the effects of alcohol impairment at various blood alcohol concentration levels, the goggles allow participants to experience altered perception and coordination – making the safety message both memorable and impactful.
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
NFFF High School Fire Science Student Scholarship Opportunity
Help spread the word to your high school fire cadets! The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is investing in the next generation of the fire service through its High School Cadet Scholarship Program.
This scholarship opportunity is designed to support students who are preparing for future careers in fire and emergency services. It’s a great opportunity to recognize their commitment and help them take the next step toward their goals.
Learn more and apply:
Great Free Legal‑Related Content
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Criminal Law Textbook (Open Textbook Library)
Free criminal law textbook from the Open Textbook Library. Aimed at an introductory college course, but still very useful at the high school level.
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Bill of Rights Institute – Lesson Plans and Resources
Free lesson plans, primary sources, classroom activities and professional learning resources focused on civics and constitutional principles.
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The Annenberg Classroom – Constitutional Law Resources
Free games, lesson plans, videos and classroom activities focused on the Constitution, Supreme Court and civics education.
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The Judicial Learning Center – Courts and Supreme Court Education
High‑quality lessons, multimedia resources and activities focused on the judicial system and Supreme Court cases.
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Legal Information Institute (Cornell Law School)
Comprehensive legal information on constitutional law, Supreme Court cases, statutes, civics topics and more.
Never Too Early to Train for Wellness
The VALOR Officer Safety and Wellness Program is dedicated to preventing injuries and line‑of‑duty deaths among law enforcement officers while improving overall health, resilience, and long‑term wellness for officers and the communities they serve.
VALOR offers a wide range of high‑quality resources that can be readily adopted and integrated into Law and Public Safety pathways. Teaching wellness and resilience early helps prepare students for the physical and mental demands of public safety careers – and may be one of the most important lessons they receive.
 Resources from NHTSA
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website offers a wealth of free content and instructional resources that can be used in Law and Public Safety courses. While many materials are designed for law enforcement, NHTSA’s vehicle safety resources also strongly support broader public safety instruction.
Educators are encouraged to explore materials related to DWI enforcement, drug‑impaired driving and even RADAR training courses. Be sure to search the NHTSA resource library to find tools that best align with your instructional needs.
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