Vocational Education Commons^™

Illinois Model Programs Of Study: Overview Guide (Draft For Public Comment), Education Systems Center

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

This draft is available for public comment through September 30, 2026. Share your public comment at:

https://forms.gle/VDKeCdf5HycEerMr7

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Digital Technology (Draft For Public Comment), Education Systems Center

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

This draft is available for public comment through September 30, 2026. Share your public comment at:

https://forms.gle/VDKeCdf5HycEerMr7

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Education (Draft For Public Comment), Education Systems Center

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

This draft is available for public comment through September 30, 2026. Share your public comment at:

https://forms.gle/VDKeCdf5HycEerMr7

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Physical Health (Draft For Public Comment), Education Systems Center

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

This draft is available for public comment through September 30, 2026. Share your public comment at:

https://forms.gle/VDKeCdf5HycEerMr7

Making Data Usable For Schools And Colleges: The Regional Data Collaboratives Approach, Benjamin Boer

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

This white paper outlines a strategic initiative by the Education Systems Center (EdSystems) to establish regional data collaboratives that improve how schools and colleges use information. Unlike traditional top-down accountability models, these collaboratives focus on longitudinal data sharing to help administrators understand student transitions from ninth grade through postsecondary completion and into the workforce. The framework relies on four core competencies: legal data agreements, secure management, linking analytics, and meaningful presentation of results. By examining factors like dual credit, pathway participation, and 9th-grade performance, these partnerships aim to identify and eliminate educational inequities. Ultimately, the initiative seeks to create a …

Understanding And Evaluating The Impact Of Pathway Programs, Benjamin Boer

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

A brief by Educatoin Systems Center (EdSystems) on the outcomes and lessons learned from the data collection processes and analysis for the Accelerated Model Pathways for Information Technology (AMP-IT) initiative, including an overview of the scaling of IT college and career pathways in the participating school districts, an understanding of the “milestones” that students meet prior to graduation, and how these milestones can be used to evaluate the program and assess longer-term outcomes. Additionally, the summary explores the challenges faced in collecting data and how EdSystems is adapting its data collection and analysis approach to improve understanding and evaluation of …

The Impact Of The Accelerated Model Pathways For Information Technology (Amp-It) Initiative, Meagan Mitchell Phd

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

This report from Education Systems Center details the impact and strategic outcomes of the Accelerated Model Pathways for Information Technology (AMP-IT) initiative. Launched to strengthen Illinois' IT talent pipeline, the initiative focuses on expanding dual credit coursework, work-based learning, and strategic partnerships between school districts, higher education, and industry.

Linking Illinois High School To College Data And Beyond, Benjamin Boer

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

This brief examines the challenges and opportunities in linking high school, postsecondary, and workforce data in Illinois. Despite significant investments in education pathways, career programs, and dual credit initiatives, there is no central source of data showing whether Illinois high school graduates are enrolling in college, persisting through their programs, and securing quality employment. The brief explores why data linking is technically and structurally challenging, reviews existing efforts at state and national levels, and provides specific recommendations for improving data infrastructure. Using the STAMP (Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways) program as a case study, the authors demonstrate how linked data …

Preparing Students For What Comes Next: A Qualitative Study Of District Approaches To Postsecondary And Career Readiness, Amanda C. Pelsor

Dissertations of Practice

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR WHAT COMES NEXT: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF DISTRICT APPROACHES TO POSTSECONDARY AND CAREER READINESS

This qualitative study examines how Illinois school districts support students’ readiness for postsecondary success and career planning and exploration. Despite longstanding state and federal efforts to improve college and career readiness, many students continue to face challenges after high school, including lack of workforce readiness, underpreparedness for postsecondary education, unclear career pathways, and difficulty navigating complex transitions. Using semi-structured interviews, this study explores how districts conceptualize and implement career readiness frameworks, the ways readiness work is embedded within district systems, and the barriers …

Preparing Students For College And Careers: Recommendations For Scaling College And Career Pathways In Southwestern Illinois, Laura Monteagudo

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University provided strategic counsel and support to Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) for a 12-month period to develop comprehensive college and career pathways. Our support included the development of a unified, regionwide college and career pathway system aligned with Illinois’ College and Career Pathway Endorsement framework, Perkins V, and the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides.

Instead of each district building pathways independently, this regional approach brings together high schools, community college faculty, and local employers to create shared structures that reflect real workforce needs and rural access challenges.

In this report, …

Taking Back The Trades: Southwestern Illinois Work-Based Learning Inventory Report, Alexia Santiago

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

In 2025, Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University (EdSystems) partnered with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), regional school districts, and industry partners to build a strong and comprehensive system of work-based learning opportunities for K-12 students that is aligned with Illinois statutes and frameworks. In this report, EdSystems identifies the existing regional events and activities that promote high-quality work-based learning for college and career pathways in the health sciences and manufacturing sectors.

State Of Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guides: 2025 Utilization Report, Meagan Mitchell Phd

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

The State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides were developed in collaboration with the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) through a process led and facilitated by Education Systems Center (EdSystems) at Northern Illinois University. The process included extensive research into labor market information and credential programs, as well as dialogue across secondary, postsecondary, and employer stakeholders. With the support of ICCB, EdSystems researched the utilization of the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides: Culinary and Hospitality and Human and Public Service.

We consulted with ICCB to receive the Perkins V …

State Of Illinois Model Programs Of Study Companion Guide, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

This resource is intended to enhance the use of the State of Illinois Model Programs of Study Guides by focusing on the development and implementation of high-quality college and career pathways. Grounded in the state’s vision for equitable access to meaningful postsecondary opportunities, this resource supports educators, CTE directors, and administrators in designing programs of study that align secondary education with postsecondary credentials and careers. By bridging academic instruction, work-based learning, and student supports, this guide helps ensure that all learners are on a clear and unambiguous path to success after high school.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Health Sciences, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2020. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Information Technology, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2020. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Agriculture, Food, And Natural Resources, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in August 2021. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Finance And Business Services, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in August 2021. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Human And Public Services, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2022. Significantly revised in April 2025 to incorporate updated labor market information. Key terminology and relationship between concepts sections added in August 2025.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Education, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2020. Significantly revised in October 2022 to reflect credentialing changes, and in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Architecture, Construction, And Energy, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in August 2021. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, significant revisions were made to incorporate clean energy career pathways and two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Arts And Communications, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in August 2021. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Culinary And Hospitality, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2022. Significantly revised in April 2025 to incorporate updated labor market information. In August 2025, two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Illinois Model Programs Of Study Guide: Manufacturing And Engineering, Education Systems Center

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

First published in October 2020. Significantly revised in September 2024 to incorporate updated labor market information. An update in April 2025 included minor corrections. In August 2025, significant revisions were made to incorporate clean energy career pathways and two new sections were added: key terminology and the relationship between concepts.

Strengthening The Talent Pipeline Through Stamp: Regional Trends In Manufacturing Pathway Participation, Rouzbeh Rahai

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

No abstract provided.

School Level Patterns In Student Engagement In Illinois’ Career And Technical Education Pathways: Exploring Patterns Between Enrollment And Postsecondary Matriculation In Three Pathways, Nikolas C. Butenhoff

Dissertations of Practice

This dissertation examined the relationship between high school career and technical education (CTE) program enrollment and postsecondary enrollments. It also examines current demographic enrollment trends within CTE programs. There were two objectives for this research. The first was to gather information that may be used to determine whether CTE programs are preparing students for careers in middle skill job areas like health sciences, information technology, and manufacturing. The other was to gain data to determine whether student tracking occurs for students enrolling in these programs.

This quantitative study examined CTE programs in traditional high schools in the state of Illinois …

Internal And External Motivational Factors Affecting High School Students' Career And Technical Education Course Selection, Joseph Bruno

Dissertations of Practice

The purpose of this dissertation was to examine the roles self-efficacy, expected outcomes, personal goals, and social influences play in high school students’ career and technical education (CTE) course selection. Grounded in social cognitive career theory, this dissertation explored how self-efficacy beliefs, outcome expectations, personal goals, and social influences shaped students' decisions to enroll in specific CTE courses. The dissertation was completed in three parts. Following an introduction, Part 1 is an in-depth literature review on what CTE is and its history, a background on social cognitive theory, social influences, self-efficacy beliefs, and expected outcomes and personal goals. Part 2 …

Students With High Needs Show Resilience Through Scaling Transformative Advanced Manufacturing Pathways, Rouzbeh Rahai

Reports, Analyses, and other Publications

No abstract provided.

A Micro-Internship Model For Engaging High School Students: A Pilot Of The Illinois Math Badging Initiative, Dania Ibrahim

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

No abstract provided.

Employer Resources For Hosting High School Interns, Heather Penczak

Practitioner Toolkits and Resources

No abstract provided.

A Braven New World: A Qualitative Case Study Of Career Readiness Efforts On Career Identity And Career Self-Efficacy For Students At A 4-Year Public University, Catherine W. Doederlein

Dissertations of Practice

A Braven New World: A Qualitative Case Study of Career Readiness Efforts on Career Identity and Career Self-Efficacy for Students at a 4-Year Public University

With much of the research on career courses being quantitative in nature, the purpose of this dissertation was to use a qualitative case study approach to understand, through student voices, how participation in a career preparation course can contribute to a college student’s career self-efficacy, career identity, and personal agency in pursuit of their intended career path. Findings revealed that students developed a more authentic confidence about their career development, experienced enhancement to their career …