Traditional education is not for everyone. There will always be students who struggle to pay attention in a classroom or don't understand the real-world applications of a lesson. Even when using hands-on STEM tools and active learning, it's still difficult to keep these students' attention. Career and technical education (CTE), however, directly demonstrates what students can do with their new knowledge. CTE gives students a head start on the future by teaching tangible career skills, usually in middle and high school. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, which focuses on subject-based knowledge, career and technical education equips students with specific hands-on skills. It incorporates practice and experience into learning, rather than information alone. Here, we'll give an overview of what CTE programs look like and how to successfully incorporate them into your school without sacrificing academic achievement.
The Purpose of Career and Technical Education Programs
Career and technical education usually becomes an option in middle or high school. Although technical schools center most learning around skills-based instruction, CTE programs are often offered alongside classroom learning. Students continue taking classes while gaining experience in their chosen field through internships or apprenticeships. Such programs allow students with specific interests to begin learning the trade during the school day. As STEM careers like computer science and medicine continue to dominate the modern economy, CTE programs enable students to focus on preparing for the future.
In a good CTE program, students develop career-oriented skills for specific fields, giving them a boost on college applications or preparing them to enter industries directly out of high school. Many career and technical education programs award the certifications students need to begin work after graduation. One Washington, D.C. school district, for example, offers certifications in first aid, carpentry, HVAC contracting, and computer maintenance, among others. For those planning to pursue a college degree, however, CTE programs teach the soft and hard skills that will complement their labor in the real world.
As they pursue their passions, students often show improvement in other academic areas as well. In California, for example, students in CTE programs graduated at a higher rate and met more college readiness goals than students who did not take CTE. This correlation has led many states to allocate funding specifically for CTE. In fact, students in career and technical education generally find a sustainable career option more quickly. Despite its emphasis on career preparedness, CTE also equips students with real-world skills beyond their field. When students learn business management, for example, they also walk away with skills in personal finance, organization, and leadership. In other words, although CTE teaches industry-specific competencies, the experience can be applied across many scenarios.
Why Pursue Career and Technical Education?
Mitigate learning loss and prepare for the future
Considering the difficulties of remote learning and living through a pandemic, it's no wonder students are lagging behind. Learning loss is a disturbingly relevant topic in American education, and teachers have exhausted themselves trying to fix it. Today's students are distracted in class, use AI to complete homework, and struggle to comprehend material. Recently, a federal education panel found that scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress have fallen to 1990s levels. Such learning loss will result in students losing up to 9% of their income over the course of their careers. One of the best solutions to combat these shortcomings has been the introduction of career and technical education.
As of May 2023, every U.S. state has policies allowing schools to measure competency based on mastery of skills instead of time in the classroom. These measures have led to widespread adoption of CTE programs and personalized learning. In fact, developing a "personalized career and academic plan" in middle school can "positively impact future earnings," potentially negating the income drop mentioned above. And in California, a state which adopted CTE standards as early as 2005, 81% of students enrolled in CTE programs later reported being employed. Nearly 90% of the employed students worked jobs "closely related" to their program of study. Their average wage even increased 64% after completing CTE training. Clearly, the adoption of career and technical education programs both mitigates learning loss and positively affects career outcomes.
Increase equity
Perhaps some of these positive outcomes are due to students recieving more equal opportunities. In 2022, career and technical education data showed that six million students enrolled in CTE programs were pursuing careers "nontraditional to their gender." Stereotypically male-dominated careers, such as business management and STEM fields, found increased traction among students of marginalized genders. Out of the 12 million students participating in CTE that year, seven million identified as Black/African-American and three million identified as Hispanic/Latinx, compared with two million white CTE students. Because many STEM fields emphasized in career and technical education are traditionally dominated by white males, such data is heartening. Besides racial and gender diversity, CTE programs also reported one million disabled participants and three million participants from "economically disadvantaged families." The versatility of CTE allows all students to achieve their goals and enter the workforce prepared to succeed.
The diversity present in CTE programs speaks to the merits of providing opportunities for all students to thrive. By incorporating CTE into their classrooms, teachers are able to employ different instructional methods, such as project-based learning, design thinking, and technology integration. Makerspaces have also proven effective in preparing students for next steps that include technical skills and challenges. CTE combines classroom learning with hands-on experiences, guided instruction, related electives, and more, making it a contemporary solution for diverse groups of students seeking real-world readiness.
How Today's CTE Programs Incorporate Academics
Previously, vocational education meant that students strictly focused on learning a trade, sometimes at the expense of other skills. But today's economy demands a more comprehensive skillset. CTE now incorporates academics along with traditional labor skills. Fixing a car, for example, is no longer as simple as looking under the hood. Mechanics now use computer programs to run diagnostic tests. Students pursuing medical fields need to be proficient with math to calculate prescription doses, while students in law apprenticeships need writing and administrative skills. A robust CTE background should prepare students with not only the skills of a particular trade but also related academic skills that provide well-rounded qualifications. Thus, CTE has evolved to include a broader spectrum of skills than it did even just five years ago. Courses that were once only part of vocational programs are finding their way into the core academic subjects, and vice versa.
Academic skills have a place in CTE, but this notion also works the other way around: CTE enhances academic classes as well. School leaders have responded to the global economy with programs that connect career skills directly to academic learning. More elementary schools are exposing kids to CTE elements in their regular classes so teachers can gauge their students’ aptitude and interest in professional areas. If they don’t go on to develop a legitimate interest in that field, then no problem. They’ve still learned skills they can use in other areas. As the economy continues to reward those who make a commitment to mastering specific careers, it’s important for teachers to remember that practical skills can serve as a foundation for all students, no matter their interests. Most importantly, career and technical education programs effectively incorporate required teaching standards, so they fit right into the regular curriculum.
Must-Haves for CTE Success
Simply creating career and technical education programs isn’t enough to guarantee their success. Proper planning and research can help educators create the best experiences possible. But it can be tough to know where to begin. Whether teachers are starting from the bottom or revitalizing a school’s existing CTE efforts, they should consider what courses to offer, what to include in the curriculum, and what resources they have to work with. We suggest reading up from sources like Advance CTE, the Perkins Collaborative Resource Network, iCEV, or the CTE Policy Watch blog.
Educators should first assess their resources by obtaining a copy of the school or district’s financial reports. States allot certain funding for CTE programs, which educators can maximize for equipment, transportation, and space. The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) has called for a $400 million increase in CTE grants in the 2024 federal budget. Although the Senate may limit the increase to $40 million, there's almost certainly money available for career and technical education in 2024, so don't miss out. And be sure to develop a program that lines up with graduation requirements. Even if students are learning valuable career skills, it's still important for them to graduate on time!
Often, the most helpful resources are other educators. School leaders should look into programs at nearby schools to see what works. Teachers and curriculum providers can suggest how CTE classes can simultaneously fulfill core requirements. Prioritize current teachers by asking whether they can add a CTE class to their workload. However, don't hesitate to hire new teachers if necessary, rather than dumping more on teachers' plates. School leaders also need to be sure each teacher is certified to teach CTE. It can seem daunting, but in-depth planning leads to more successful CTE outcomes.
More Schools Are Transitioning to CTE Centers
The increased need for career and technical education has led schools across the country to rethink their offerings. CTE opportunities hold countless real-world benefits, particularly the irreplaceable skills students learn from hands-on training. It’s not just STEM careers they’re training for, though. CTE programs train students to become just about anything—from EMTs to architects. For schools struggling to engage students, the CTE route is increasingly appealing, so much so that a number of schools have received complete makeovers in recent years. Including CTE centers in a school's design gives students immediate access to the equipment and facilities needed to prepare them for the future. Having a space solely for CTE allows for smaller class sizes, more resources allotted to each student, and more direct instruction from teachers. Educators can then be certain students have mastered what they need to know before moving on to something new.
If a dedicated building is not a possibility, however, schools may be forced to look to offsite locations to accommodate the growing number of students pursuing CTE. Some specializations, such as mechanic apprenticeships or medical internships, even require students to learn onsite. Alternatively, schools could transform unused space into CTE centers. Converting an empty classroom or storage space into a CTE room may require the concerted effort of maintenance staff, teachers, and even parent or student volunteers. An expanded CTE space offers more students the chance to find something they enjoy. With CTE instruction, they'll be on their way to receiving field-specific certificates while earning credits toward a diploma. Having the space to facilitate a multi-faceted approach to education is essential as career and technical education continues to impact 21st century learning.
See you in the classroom!
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