CTE Policy Atlas

Explore the CTE Policy Atlas

Career readiness, in context.

Explore the policies, partnerships and pathways behind college and career readiness. Start nationally, then follow the evidence in a state.

Select a state to inspect its evidence
Alabama · Priority 1 · Validate firstALAlaska · Priority 2 · Develop programsAKArizona · Priority 2 · Develop programsAZColorado · Priority 3 · Rebuild funding caseCOFlorida · Priority 1 · Validate firstFLGeorgia · Priority 2 · Develop programsGAIndiana · Priority 1 · Validate firstINKansas · Priority 2 · Develop programsKSMaine · Priority 2 · Develop programsMEMassachusetts · Priority 2 · Develop programsMAMinnesota · Priority 2 · Develop programsMNNew Jersey · Priority 2 · Develop programsNorth Carolina · Priority 2 · Develop programsNCNorth Dakota · Priority 2 · Develop programsNDOklahoma · Priority 2 · Develop programsOKPennsylvania · Priority 2 · Develop programsPASouth Dakota · Priority 2 · Develop programsSDTexas · Priority 1 · Validate firstTXWyoming · Priority 2 · Develop programsWYConnecticut · Priority 2 · Develop programsMissouri · Priority 1 · Validate firstMOWest Virginia · Priority 2 · Develop programsWVIllinois · Priority 2 · Develop programsILNew Mexico · Priority 2 · Develop programsNMArkansas · Priority 1 · Validate firstARCalifornia · Priority 2 · Develop programsCADelaware · Priority 2 · Develop programsHawaii · Priority 2 · Develop programsHIIowa · Priority 1 · Validate firstIAKentucky · Priority 2 · Develop programsKYMaryland · Priority 1 · Validate firstMDMichigan · Priority 2 · Develop programsMIMississippi · Priority 2 · Develop programsMSMontana · Priority 2 · Develop programsMTNew Hampshire · Priority 2 · Develop programsNew York · Priority 2 · Develop programsNYOhio · Priority 1 · Validate firstOHOregon · Priority 2 · Develop programsORTennessee · Priority 2 · Develop programsTNUtah · Priority 2 · Develop programsUTVirginia · Priority 2 · Develop programsVAWashington · Priority 2 · Develop programsWAWisconsin · Priority 1 · Validate firstWINebraska · Priority 2 · Develop programsNESouth Carolina · Priority 2 · Develop programsSCIdaho · Priority 2 · Develop programsIDNevada · Priority 2 · Develop programsNVVermont · Priority 2 · Develop programsLouisiana · Priority 2 · Develop programsLARhode Island · Priority 2 · Develop programs

Alaska and Hawaii inset. Use “Choose a state” for a list alternative. Geography source

← National overview

North Carolina

Priority 2 · Develop programs

Explore this state’s research by topic.

Readiness milestones · research pending

Learning-to-readiness framework

From learning evidence to a recognized milestone

A proposed, vendor-neutral approach: connect formative evidence, curriculum pacing and state-defined requirements to an instructional next step, then educator review and reassessment.

Proposed framework—not a validated prediction system or evidence of improved outcomes. The research scope is 50 states plus DC; completed evidence coverage is limited. Unknown or suppressed values are not zero.

North Carolina: state-specific definitions, reporting year, qualifying requirements, cohort and source review remain pending. No student totals or opportunity estimates are inferred.

How to use this framework
  1. Establish evidence. Identify the assessment, skill or pathway requirement and its date.
  2. Check pacing. Distinguish not yet taught, taught but not demonstrated, and insufficient evidence.
  3. Review the next step. An educator chooses or overrides support and sets a reassessment.

Support students across the achievement range. A missing result is not a learning deficit. Academic performance-level movement, first CCR qualification and additional credentials are separate measures; graduation and workforce placement are also distinct.

Approved credentials differ from general course offerings. Eligibility does not establish enrollment, completion, credit award or purchase. Scale-score distance cannot be compared across assessments, grades or years.

Documented state signal

Dated outcome evidence reviewed

NCDPI reported 382,964 industry credentials earned in 2024–25. This is a count of credentials, not unique students, and demonstrates substantial program activity.

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction — CTE Students Earn Record Breaking 382964 Industry Credentials in 2024 2025 ↗

February 4, 2026; outcomes for 2024–25 · Baseline checked September 12, 2026

1curated partnership/program recordPendinglocal geography coverage

Research coverage, not a census of programs or a ranking of opportunity.

Core adoptions: district purchasing evidence pending →
Policy, funding & next verification

Reported attainment does not establish current available funding, unmet demand, or a Pearson opportunity. Credential and course alignment need validation.

Career and College Promise

Tuition-free eligibility does not establish that all books, fees or outside platforms are covered.

Official dual-enrollment guidance ↗Committees & members in North Carolina →
Open the detailed North Carolina brief →

Policy • pathways • opportunity

National Watch

View all updates →

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How to read the map & priorities

All 50 states have one of three priority colors. Evidence gaps are noted separately in each state brief.

Why 39 states in Priority 2? This is a broad development pool, not 39 equally qualified opportunities. Inspect the evidence groups →

State policy evidence and proposed Pearson fit are shown separately. Open a state brief for needs, solutions and Government Relations representation.

Priority committee members →Compare priority-state alignment →
Public-source screen · September 12, 2026Product eligibility, buyer funds, and procurement timing require Pearson validation.