ACE Infographic – PDF

Students with Disabilities – PDF

Working Definition for ACE CTE

Alternative Cooperative Education (ACE) Career & Technical Education (CTE) is a multi-occupational pathway that facilitates individualized, developmentally appropriate programming necessary to support CTE students thrive in our economy and be successful in various postsecondary pathways.  This makes ACE CTE a unique, to Colorado only, CTE program that serves each student inclusive of students identified as Special Populations1.

ACE CTE Programming is developed through collaboration with educators, business representatives and community stakeholders. The collaboration creates locally responsive, relevant work-based & school-based learning experiences. ACE CTE students will demonstrate competency in Postsecondary Workforce Readiness (PWR)2 that lead to technical skill attainment3 in any chosen occupation with a focus on high wage4 occupations or high skill in high demand industries that promote self-sufficiency.

FOOTNOTES

  1. Special Populations (per Perkins Authorization): Is defined as individuals with a disability, from economically disadvantages families, preparing for non-traditional fields, single parents, including single pregnant women, out-of-workforce individuals, English learners, homeless individuals, you who are in, or have aged out of the foster care system, and youth with a parent who is either a member of the armed forces or is on active duty.

2. PWR Skills/Competencies include (* **): 

    • Communication: Media Literacy, Digital Literacy, Data Literacy, Interpersonal Communications 
    • Problem Solving: Critical Thinking & Analysis, Collaboration & Teamwork, Creativity & Innovation, Adaptability & Flexibility 
    • Community Member: Civic engagement,  Global & Cultural Awareness, Social Awareness 
    • Empowered Individual: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Perseverance & Resilience, Self-Advocacy & Initiative, Career Awareness 

*In collaboration and as part of state efforts to develop a Colorado Essential Skills implementation guide, CDE is looking for examples of the integration of the skills into instruction. CDE staff will be reaching out to educators to collect examples of lesson plans, videos, display materials, activities, coaching strategies and any other instructional materials. While this collection is voluntary, resources are needed for all grade levels and content areas. If you'd like to show-off your practices, please submit using this form.  

**Note that a revised list will frequently be updated as we respond to the needs of economy, our business, industry, higher education and military partners.  

3. Technical Skill Attainment is defined as: the knowledge and skills determined by Career & Technical Standards and competency measures that are mastered by the student in a CTE program. This verification can be completed by delivering educator/employer formal assessment & evaluation; performance based assessment or from artifacts reflecting work experience accumulated in a portfolio, among other verification models; including, but not limited to: developmentally appropriate completion of a CTE course sequence and skills outlined in individual training plans for work based learning.

4. High Wage: As determined by the 2006 Perkins Authorization = wages greater or equal to the current state set minimum wage