How Jacksonville ISD Is Expanding Opportunities Through Career and Technical Education
Jacksonville Independent School District is expanding access to high-quality Career and Technical Education through TEKS-aligned CTE curriculum, growing STEM education programs, and strong industry connections. Serving more than 4,700 students in Texas, the district is building career-ready pathways that support workforce preparation, postsecondary success, and hands-on learning across multiple CTE programs.
By investing in modern CTE curriculum and building strong partnerships, Jacksonville ISD is creating clear pathways that prepare students for both postsecondary education and the workforce.
A Decade of Growth Under CTE Director Jeff Boyd
Under the leadership of CTE Director Jeff Boyd, now in his tenth year with the district, Jacksonville ISD has experienced steady growth across its Career and Technical Education programs. Offerings span a wide range of pathways, including agriculture, welding, health science, and STEM education.
Boyd credits much of this success to providing teachers and students with access to high-quality, industry-aligned instructional resources that support hands-on learning and real-world skill development.
A Long-Standing Partnership With iCEV
For many years, Jacksonville ISD has partnered with iCEV to deliver a comprehensive CTE curriculum aligned with workforce expectations and classroom needs. Boyd believes this partnership helps teachers feel confident in their instruction while ensuring students are prepared for future career opportunities.
“iCEV has always had a quality product,” Boyd says. “They stay connected to classroom instructors and respond to feedback from those teachers.”
This educator-focused approach has made iCEV a trusted resource across the district’s CTE programs.
Why Updated CTE Curriculum Matters
As Career and Technical Education continues to evolve, districts need curriculum solutions that can adapt alongside changing industry demands and state requirements. Boyd emphasizes that iCEV’s commitment to continuous improvement ensures Jacksonville ISD always has access to updated, ready-to-teach materials.
“iCEV uses our feedback to improve their product and make it more user-friendly for instructors,” Boyd shares.
This responsiveness has become increasingly important as Texas educators navigate new standards and expectations.
Meeting TEKS Requirements Under Texas Proclamation 2024
Texas Proclamation 2024 introduced updated TEKS standards and expanded CTE course offerings across the state. Many districts are searching for TEKS-aligned curriculum that meets these requirements without adding additional planning burdens for teachers.
Because iCEV continually updates its content to align with TEKS, Boyd feels confident Jacksonville ISD can remain compliant while continuing to grow its Career and Technical Education programs.
“One of the things I’ve always appreciated about iCEV is that they ensure all of the TEKS are covered,” Boyd explains.
For new or nontraditional CTE teachers, having a TEKS-aligned curriculum that is ready to implement is especially valuable.
Enhancing Middle School CTE and Building Early STEM Pathways
Jacksonville ISD is also investing in middle school CTE programs to introduce students to career exploration earlier in their academic journey. These efforts place a strong emphasis on STEM education, helping students build foundational skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
“Being able to utilize the product across multiple campuses and teachers is a big benefit to us,” Boyd notes.
Recently, the district launched a middle school robotics program designed to spark interest in engineering, computer programming, and advanced STEM pathways that students can pursue in high school and beyond.
Supporting Growth With an Enterprise License
To support continued expansion, Jacksonville ISD transitioned to an iCEV enterprise license. This provides teachers district-wide access to CTE curriculum and certification preparation materials across 11 subject areas.
Boyd says this approach allows the district to plan confidently for the future.
“I liked the idea of having a product that would stay with us for the next four years, no matter how much we grow.”
With this model, Jacksonville ISD can ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across all CTE programs while maintaining flexibility as enrollment and offerings expand.
Preparing Students for the Workforce and Beyond
Boyd believes Jacksonville ISD’s focus on Career and Technical Education reflects both community values and student goals.
“Our kids come from hardworking families, and they want to be successful,” Boyd shares.
Through TEKS-aligned curriculum, industry-informed content, and strong instructional support, iCEV helps the district prepare students for life after graduation.
“We want our students to be ready for a competitive marketplace,” Boyd says. “The iCEV product helps us do that.”
Shaping the Future Through Career and Technical Education
With access to iCEV’s continually updated CTE curriculum library, Jacksonville ISD is well positioned to meet the needs of today’s learners while preparing for the future. By expanding CTE programs, strengthening STEM education, and maintaining a focus on quality and alignment, the district is empowering the next generation of skilled, career-ready students.
