MS HB405

Creates the "Comprehensive Career and Technical Education Reform (CCATER) Act" to establish career technical education pathways as an alternative to four-year university track for high school students.

Requires State Board of Education to notify all incoming middle and junior high students of available career technical education programs and allows individual school districts to administer ACT WorkKeys Assessment in grades 9, 10, or 11.

Eliminates degree requirements for expert citizen-teacher licenses; allows business or professional personnel with high school diploma, industry certification, and 5 years of relevant experience to teach career technical courses; extends license duration from 1 year to 5 years.

Establishes 24-course unit requirements for career technical education pathway diploma, including English, mathematics, science, social studies, health/PE, soft skills, and career-technical courses tailored to individual school district needs.

Includes ACT WorkKeys Assessment performance in school accreditation system with weighting equal to standard ACT Assessment for college and career readiness ratings.