Welcome Back, LPS Instructors!
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year! As another year begins, I want to thank each of you for the time, passion, and dedication you invest in Kentucky's Law and Public Safety (LPS) students. Every lesson, lab, competition, advisory meeting, certification and hands-on experience you provide helps prepare the next generation of first responders, legal professionals and public servants.
Reflecting over the past four years together, we've doubled the number of Pre-Law pathways, tripled our Fire Science pathways and added 13 new Law Enforcement Services programs. That growth is a direct reflection of your commitment to providing high-quality opportunities for students and expanding access to careers that strengthen our communities.
One of my favorite parts of this role is seeing your programs in action. Whether you're hosting an advisory committee meeting, conducting a lab or hands-on training, recognizing student achievements or celebrating another milestone, I would love the opportunity to join you! Thank you for inviting me to be part of the incredible work happening in your classrooms and communities.
I hope this school year is filled with meaningful learning, new opportunities and moments worth celebrating. As always, I'm here to support you however I can, and I look forward to working alongside you throughout another outstanding year!!
Erica
Franklin County CTC Launches EMT Pathway
Congratulations to the Franklin County Career and Technical Center on the launch of its new Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program for the 2026-2027 school year!
Made possible through a $79,000 Kentucky Rural Health Transformation Grant, the program will provide students with modern patient simulation technology, hands-on skills training, clinical experiences and ambulance field internships aligned to Kentucky Board of EMS requirements.
Under the leadership of Capt. Kenneth Barnett, students will have the opportunity to earn CPR/BLS certification, complete a Kentucky-approved EMT education program and become eligible to sit for the National Registry EMT examination. The new program also complements Franklin County's existing Fire Science pathway, providing students with an even stronger foundation for careers in emergency medical services and public safety.
Congratulations to the Franklin County Career and Technical Center on expanding opportunities for students and helping meet Kentucky's growing workforce needs in emergency medical services!
Read the full article on the Franklin County Career and Technical Center website.
 Fire Science Instructors, Mark LaMaster and Travis Zimmer receive Pull Station Training Props at KACTE LPS Breakfast. Props Sponsored by Matthew Burns with Johnson Controls.
KACTE 2026 Conference Recap and Resources
Thank you to everyone who attended the 2026 Kentucky Association for Career and Technical Education (KACTE) Summer Conference!
A special thank you to our LPS instructors who stepped into presenter roles and shared innovative classroom practices, as well as our many industry and education partners whose expertise continues to strengthen professional learning opportunities for teachers and students across the Commonwealth.
Whether you attended or were unable to join us this year, I encourage you to review the 2026 LPS Program Consultant Updates. The presentation includes important updates for the 2026-2027 school year, resources and several opportunities already on the horizon, including:
- Professional development sign-ups, including the AHA BLS Instructor Course, with additional PD opportunities being added throughout the year.
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New Teacher Institute Year 1 resources for new occupation-based teachers.
- Upcoming Law Enforcement pathway course and standards review opportunities for interested industry partners.
- Fire Science Lab Playbook development volunteers (stipend provided).
- Confirmation that OSHA-10 is no longer required as a stack component for Fire Science accountability. The 2026-2027 Valid Industry Certification List will be published in the coming weeks.
- An early heads-up that the National Law Enforcement Challenge (NLEC) exam may undergo a name change only within the next year. The NLEC acronym and assessment content will remain the same. Additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
- Exciting news from LAPSEN, which is working toward releasing Law and Public Safety-specific graduation regalia this school year.
Save the Date!
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2027 KACTE Summer Conference
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2028 KACTE Summer Conference
BLS Instructor Training
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WHO: LE and Fire Science Instructors
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WHAT: American Heart Association BLS Instructor Course
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WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 24 OR Friday, Sept. 25, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. ET
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WHERE: KDE, 300 Sower Blvd. Frankfort
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WHY: This training will allow you maximum flexibility in facilitating instruction and certification testing of your students.
If you're already certified, DO NOT test students with expired credentials. If previously certified at KDE and re-certification is needed, please contact Joyce Parker. You do not need to register for this training if only renewing.
In-person hands-on portion for BLS course, in-person instructor course + instructor card will be paid for by the Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education.
Now is the time to put it on your administration's radar for early fall planning. Please complete the 2026 American Heart Association BLS Instructor Course Registration today!
Cost to School
- Travel/Mileage/Lodging/Meals
- 1-day substitute
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BLS Online Course must be completed before attending. (The online course is Part 1. Part 2, the hands-on section will be done on-site.)
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BLS Instructor Essentials Online Course must be completed before attending. (The online course is Part 1. Part 2, the hands-on section will be done on-site.)
Deadline to register and submit prerequisites: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
SkillsUSA Kentucky Leadership Training Institute
SkillsUSA chapter officers are encouraged to attend the 2026 SkillsUSA Kentucky Leadership Training Institute (KLTI) on Oct. 15-16 at the FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg.
KLTI is designed to strengthen student leadership skills while preparing chapter officers for a successful year of leading their local SkillsUSA chapters. Through engaging activities and collaborative learning experiences, students will develop the leadership, communication and teamwork skills essential for both chapter success and future careers.
Registration will be opening soon through the SkillsUSA Kentucky registration portal. Advisors are encouraged to begin planning now and watch for additional registration information.
For questions regarding SkillsUSA Kentucky programs or KLTI, please contact Jermaine Poynter, state SkillsUSA advisor.
 Help Shape Kentucky's First Fire Science Lab Playbook
Do you have a favorite Fire Science lab or hands-on activity that consistently engages your students? We're looking for Kentucky Fire Science teachers to help develop the state's first Fire Science Lab Playbook – a practical collection of standards-aligned labs, instructional strategies, safety considerations, equipment lists and implementation guidance designed by Kentucky teachers, for Kentucky teachers.
Selected participants will collaborate with fellow educators to create a resource that supports both new and experienced instructors while strengthening Fire Science programs across the Commonwealth. A stipend will be provided to teachers selected to participate.
If you're passionate about hands-on learning and interested in helping build this statewide resource, please contact Erica Settelen to express your interest. Planning is just getting underway, and your classroom expertise will be instrumental in making this playbook a valuable resource for years to come.
FEMA Independent Study (IS) Course Access Remains Restored
Good news! Access to FEMA's Independent Study (IS) courses remains restored for the 2026-2027 school year. Students and instructors in Fire Science and Law Enforcement Services pathways may once again access and complete the FEMA IS courses required within their respective programs.
After the challenges experienced last school year due to federal funding disruptions, we appreciate your patience and flexibility. At this time, teachers should resume planning for students to complete the applicable FEMA IS coursework as part of the pathway requirements.
Teachers and students can access the FEMA Independent Study Program to register, complete courses and obtain certificates. Please remember that students will need a FEMA Student Identification to complete exams and receive course credit.
OSHA-10 Removed from Fire Science Certification Stack for the 2026-2027 School Year
At its April 16 meeting, the Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board 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.
For the 343: A National Call to Honor
As we approach the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) is inviting fire service organizations, schools, students, and communities across the country to participate in For the 343: Climb One Flight.
The challenge honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11, as well as all firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Participation is simple: Climb one flight. Share your tribute. Challenge three others. Every flight completed will contribute to the nationwide total as participants come together in remembrance.
Fire Science instructors are encouraged to consider how this national initiative could be incorporated into their programs as an opportunity for students to reflect on service, sacrifice and the traditions of the fire service.
 Student Scholarship Opportunity: Coca-Cola Scholars Program
The 2027 Coca-Cola Scholars Program application is now open! This prestigious scholarship recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate outstanding leadership, service and a commitment to making a positive impact in their schools and communities.
Eligible students graduating during the 2026-2027 school year and planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or university are encouraged to apply.
Before beginning the application, students must complete the required Eligibility Quiz. Applicants should also review the Eligibility Requirements and Frequently Asked Questions to ensure they qualify before applying.
Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2026
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Eligibility Quiz due: 4 p.m. ET
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Phase I Application due: 5 p.m. ET
To help students prepare, the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation also provides a sample application, an overview of the selection process, and a How to Apply video.
Tip: Students are encouraged to use a personal (non-school) email address throughout the application process, as some school email systems may block messages from the Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation.
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ICYMI: 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
- Tobacco Investigative Aides: Ages 16-20
- 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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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.
ICYMI: 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.
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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