Arizona Department of Education

Local Occupational Program (LOP) Application

1. Delivers a coherent sequence of instruction for a program listed on the current National Center of Educational Statistics website.

(The nationally recognized program sequence of courses in each proposed occupational program should be listed and described.)

Coherent Sequence: Each local proposed occupational program must consist of two or more carnegie units containing the content and appropriate instruction that teaches all of the knowledge and skills needed to support each of the program's nationally recognized standards and the supporting measurement criteria. Entities may select Local course names that reflect local interest and marketability.

**Final approval will come from the Technical Standards and Assessment Team.

3: The program curriculum integrates all program-specific technical standards, all of Arizona’s professional skills standards, work-based learning, CTSO participation, and academic integration. The curriculum ensures students have opportunities to apply technical skills, with at least 51% of instructional time dedicated to hands-on lab activities. 

Example evidence documents: Curriculum map or scope and sequence. 

NOTE: ADE provides a “best practices” template that – if used with fidelity – can be used to create acceptable evidence for this requirement.
You can find the ADE approved Program Curriculum Map Template here

4. For Community College programs, provide a crosswalk that maps program standards to institutional and/or course-level student learning outcomes. The crosswalk should include the following: 

• A link to the official program or curriculum page. 
• An overview of the program and coursework. 
• A description of the knowledge, skills, and competencies students are expected to attain. 
• Documentation demonstrating how the coursework aligns with and addresses applicable technical standards. 
• Course descriptions and major content areas. 
• Learning objectives or student learning outcomes for each relevant course. 
• Course prerequisites and any recommended preparation requirements.

This information should clearly demonstrate the alignment between program standards, course content, and college learning outcomes.

 

Example evidence documents: narrative outlining the above, course guide book, etc.

6: Program is inclusive of special populations as outlined in the Arizona Perkins State Plan. 

Required evidence document: CTE Opportunity Gap Analysis Report By District from the ADE CTE Data Portal. 

How to download the CTE Opportunity Gap Analysis Report by District:

i. Access the CTE Data Portal

ii. Click on "Reports" in the top right corner, and then select "District Report" from the drop-down menu.

iii. Select the appropriate year in the "Fiscal Year" drop-down on the right.

iv. Using the drop-down menu for "Report Name," select CTE Opportunity Gap Analysis Report By District (near the middle under the header Enrollment and Funding)

v. Then select your District Name from the drop-down.

vi. Click Generate Report.

vii. Use the save button at the top of the next screen to save the document as a PDF.

viii. Upload PDF below.

7. Program facilities, equipment, technology, and materials must reflect current industry practices and align with technical standards and program objectives. 

Example evidence documents: Program inventory spreadsheet (actual or anticipated.) 

NOTE: ADE provides a “best practices” template that – if used with fidelity – can be used to create acceptable evidence for this requirement.
You can find the ADE approved Program Inventory Spreadsheet Template here. 

8. The LOP must be requested based upon input from business and community partners. Describe how local partnerships, stakeholders, and employers support the LOP and reflect community needs. 

Example evidence documents: Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment (CLNA), advisory committee/stakeholder survey, local occupational data, focus group narrative, etc.) 

NOTE: ADE provides a “best practices” template that – if used with fidelity – can be used to create acceptable evidence for this requirement.
You can find the ADE approved Stakeholder List Template here. 

9. The district or CTED must provide career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–9. This is optional for non-Perkins CTED central programs. 

Example evidence documents:  

• Schedule of district or CTED career exploration activities  
• District course handbook  
• CTE Director narrative  

**Final approval will be determined by the Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) State Director.

11. Submit documentation describing the program's end-of-program assessment process, including the assessment instrument(s) that will be used, how student competency will be measured, and the methodology used to develop or select the assessment. 

Example evidence documents: narrative, sample assessment, etc.

**Final approval will come from the Technical Standards and Assessment Team.

12. List all industry-recognized credential(s) available for students enrolled in the proposed program. 
Note: If a credential is not currently included on the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Approved Industry Credential List, the CTED or district must submit a separate Industry Credential Application for each credential being requested for approval. 

Please provide the following: 

• Current Approved Credential(s)
  • Identify the existing industry credential(s) students will have the opportunity to earn upon successful completion of the program.
• Planned Future Credential(s)  
  • Identify any additional industry credential(s) the program intends to pursue in the future, including those that may require approval through the ADE Industry Credential Application process.

This information should demonstrate how the proposed program prepares students to earn industry-recognized credentials that align with program outcomes and workforce needs.