R277-916. College and Career Awareness

R277.  Education, Administration.

R277-916.  College and Career Awareness.

R277-916-1.  Authority and Purpose.

          (1)  This rule is authorized by:

          (a)  Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

          (b)  Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law;

          (c)  Section 53E-3-507, which allows the Board to establish minimum standards for career and technical education programs in the public education system; and

          (d)  Section 53F-2-311, which directs the Board to distribute specific funds to LEAs.

          (2)  The purpose of this rule is to establish standards and procedures for LEAs seeking to qualify for College and Career Awareness Program funds administered by the Board.

R277-916-2.  Definitions.

          (1)  "Approved school" means a school approved by the Superintendent through an application process.

          (2)(a)  "College and Career Awareness" means a 7th grade or 8th grade core course comprised of activities encouraging students to explore college and career opportunities.

          (b)  "College and Career Awareness" is coordinated with the School Counseling program.

          (3)  "Weighted Pupil Unit" or "WPU" means the unit of measure that is computed in accordance with Section 53F-2-302, to determine the costs of a program on a uniform basis for each LEA.

          (4)  "Work-Based Learning" or "WBL" means a continuum of awareness, exploration, preparation, and training activities that combine structured learning and authentic work experiences implemented through industry and education partnerships.

R277-916-3.  Disbursement of Funds.

          (1)(a)  An LEA shall utilize College and Career Awareness funds to purchase and maintain needed student equipment and supplies for the course, subject to the following:

          (i)  LEA expenditures shall be reasonable and necessary to sustain the College and Career Awareness program;

          (ii)  LEA expenditures shall be adequately documented;

          (iii)  an LEA may not use for personnel costs;

          (iv)  an LEA may not use funds to cover the cost of goods and services for teacher personal use, such as teacher equipment, materials, and supplies;

          (v)  an LEA may not use funds for costs associated with:

          (A)  entertainment;

          (B)  amusement;

          (C)  diversion;

          (D)  social activities;

          (E)  incentives;

          (F)  marketing materials; or

          (G)  thank you gifts; and

          (vi)  an LEA may only use funds for costs that will directly achieve program outcomes for students.

          (b)  Notwithstanding, Subsection (1)(a), an LEA may use up to 15% of available funds for teachers and counselors to participate in ongoing professional development sponsored by the Board.

          (2)  An LEA shall meet all requirements of this rule to receive College and Career Awareness funding.

          (3)  College and Career Awareness funds shall be allocated to an LEA for an approved school using a base amount per school.

          (4)  The Superintendent shall distribute funds remaining after funds are distributed under Subsection (3) to approved schools, based on the prior school year's October 1 grade 7 enrollment.

          (5)  An LEA shall annually complete a funding application with assurances of each school meeting College and Career Awareness standards.

          (6)  The Superintendent shall annually provide training to personnel from each school receiving funds under this Subsection (3).

          (7)  The Superintendent shall allocate continued funding to an LEA based on the LEA's success in meeting established standards.

R277-916-4.  Standards.

          (1)  An LEA may qualify for College and Career Awareness funds consistent with the following:

          (a)  College and Career Awareness standards are implemented in their entirety regardless of LEA scheduling;

          (b)  College and Career Awareness teachers and counselors shall have appropriate licenses and endorsements;

          (c)  a school shall utilize the services of a WBL coordinator, where available, to integrate grade level appropriate WBL activities into College and Career Awareness;

          (d)  if a WBL coordinator is not available, the College and Career Awareness team shall plan and provide WBL activities;

          (e)  a school shall integrate the services of a school counselor in the program;

          (f)  an LEA shall support staff development activities relevant to the core College and Career Awareness content adopted by the Board; and

          (g)  a College and Career Awareness team in a school shall fully participate in a program evaluation every four years.

KEY:  college and career awareness, public schools

Date of Last Change:  May 11, 2022

Notice of Continuation:  February 9, 2022

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law:  Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53E-3-507; 53F-2-311

Status of Rule

Effective May 11, 2022

Five-year review February 9, 2027

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Oversight Framework

Uncategorized

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Related Utah Law

Public Education Statutes
53E-3-507

53F-2-311

Other Statutes
None

USBE Administrative Rules
R277-100, Definitions for USBE Rules

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Related Federal Law

None

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Resources

None

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Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Thalea Longhurst
thalea.longhurst@schools.utah.gov
Career and Technical Education

Secondary Contact:
Ashley Higgs
ashley.higgs@schools.utah.gov
Career and Technical Education

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This page was last updated on February 14, 2024.

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NOTE: The information on this webpage is provided as a service to users and the Utah State Board of Education is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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