Dear CTE teachers, coordinators, and administrators,
the Career Clusters webpage.
Preparing students for an ever-changing employment landscape is the challenge of CTE. Toward that end, Advance CTE introduced an updated National Career Cluster Framework (14 clusters) in fall 2024—following a two-year modernization process. It will take another two years to update DPI, technical colleges, universities, and LEAs. In fact, LEAs will continue to use the current 16 career clusters for all DPI applications (for example, reporting in WISE and Perkins V grant applications) in the 2025-26 school year.
Meanwhile, DPI is collaborating with the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) to update materials over the next year. Specifically, DPI is updating language in the Perkins V State Plan to align with the 14 new clusters and is creating a data mitigation plan to reduce burden on LEAs and maintain consistency in data collection.
Just remember: There is no rush for LEAs to make this transition. LEAs will not begin reporting CTE Concentrators with the new cluster titles until June 2027. Most important, we want the process to be gradual, well-supported, minimally disruptive, and responsive to local needs. Check in on our Career Clusters webpage for the latest information.
Remember, too, your Wisconsin CTE Team is here for you. A DPI reorganization at the end of July has improved organizational alignment and coordination, and will provide better access to expertise and faster response rates to your questions. See for yourself!