2026 ISBE Career Connections Conference

This session focuses on designing and implementing Team Based Challenges that align directly with Illinois State Board of Education guidelines and Career Connected Pathway Endorsement expectations. Participants will examine the required components of an ISBE aligned Team Based Challenge, including authentic problem design, defined team structures, alignment to technical and cross sector employability competencies, and clearly identified final solution products. The presentation will clarify how Team Based Challenges support CCPE requirements and how they can be used as evidence of high quality, career connected learning. Attendees will explore examples of compliant challenges and common areas where submissions fall short of ISBE expectations. The session will also highlight strategies for strengthening industry partner involvement and ensuring challenges reflect real workplace practices. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of ISBE expectations and practical guidance they can apply to design or refine Team Based Challenges that meet CCPE program requirements with confidence.

Join Dr. Erica Thieman, Director of CTE for ISBE, as she presents the new Modernized Career Clusters Framework which is being rolled out for school year 26-27. The new framework includes "cross-cutting clusters" which allow students a more customizable option for their career paths to blend coursework from two pathways.

Join ICCB and ISBE for an overview of recent updates to the Dual Credit Quality Act. We’ll examine the amended language from both secondary and postsecondary perspectives and highlight new opportunities to strengthen school–college partnerships. The session will also feature statewide efforts to expand accessible postsecondary pathways and support career attainment for Illinois students.

Join us for a collaborative presentation focused on strengthening the connection between high school fire science programs and OSFM standards.  This session will explore how high school fire science courses can align with OSFM standards to create stronger pathways into the fire service and the opportunity for state certification.

This session focuses on initiative to enhance equitable access to rural healthcare career pathways by providing structured support, high‑quality instruction, and regionally responsive programming. The Support and Pilot framework equips schools to help design, implement, and refine Health Science Technology (HST) pathways that meet community health needs and create stronger college and career ready opportunities for underserved students. The opportunity will support capacity building and partnerships that broaden access to rural HST pipelines by promoting credentials of value and meaningful work‑based learning experiences.