Education (Career & Technical Education)

HB 362 requires all candidates seeking New Hampshire teaching, administrator, or specialist licenses to achieve passing scores on professional education assessments. This applies to educators seeking certification in public schools, with a specific exception allowing local school boards to request waivers for Career and Technical Education (CTE) teachers. The bill grants the Department of Education rulemaking authority to establish these assessment requirements and processes. The law takes effect 60 days after passage.

SB 491 allows New Hampshire students receiving Education Freedom Account (EFA) funds to use those funds for career and technical education (CTE) programs. It amends state education laws to require the Department of Education to establish separate funding formulas for CTE tuition and transportation costs, and clarifies that EFA grant recipients in grades 9-12 can enroll in CTE programs using their EFA funds. The bill also mandates scholarship organizations to provide students with information about CTE enrollment opportunities. This change takes effect July 1, 2027, and does not require new state revenue or appropriations.

HB 1573 allows New Hampshire public and charter school students to have absences excused for attending civic events (like government meetings or community hearings) or career/technical education (CTE) events (such as FFA, SkillsUSA, or DECA competitions). Schools must excuse up to two absences per 45-day period for these activities, requiring parental notice at least two school days in advance (except for election days) and proof of attendance. The bill also directs the state board of education to develop rules for awarding alternative academic credit toward graduation requirements for participation in these events. This applies specifically to students in grades K-12 at public and charter schools.