For example, the Tennessee Department of Education’s Office of CTE performs annual reviews of CTE programs and courses to ensure they align with regional labor market needs and makes adjustments when necessary. The state also conducts reviews of postsecondary CTE programs and certificate offerings from community colleges, technical colleges, and four-year universities to determine which should be continued, added, or expanded.
Delaware’s CTE programs of study include college coursework, work-based learning opportunities, and industry certifications where available and appropriate. They also provide professional development opportunities for CTE educators to ensure that instruction is up to date on academic and industry standards.
The Perkins Act reauthorization also provides a major step forward in changing the sometimes negative perceptions of CTE programs across the country. Previously known as “vocational education,” these programs have a long history of being viewed as an alternative to a rigorous academic pathway—reserved for students deemed “not college material.”
To the contrary, excellent CTE programs prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in both college and a career. A number of states and regions are working to reverse such misconceptions. The strong policymaker support for CTE, signaled in the passage of the new law, can help educators and parents demonstrate that CTE is a strong option for all students.
States should continue to build on what works and make improvements where needed. JFF has seen effective CTE programs and helped expand them through our Pathways to Prosperity Network. We look forward to working with the U.S. Department of Education and with states to implement the new CTE law.