Let’s face it, many of us have a very decorated past when it comes to finding the ideal career. Some of us took on odd jobs, while others accrued massive student loan debt. Will this new awakening in career and technical education present a viable solution?
Your Cliff Notes
- Federal funds are allocated each year to support the implementation and running of CTE programs in schools, but it didn’t start this way.
- CTE has a muddled history from its early origins in the post-Civil War era.
- Vocational education and CTE are often used interchangeably, but they do not mean the same thing. There are distinct differences among the history, philosophy, and approach.
- There are several tips and suggestions to operate a CTE program on a budget.
- Collectively parents, teachers, business leaders, and the community need to come together to make a CTE program a true success.
We won’t call it a resurgence, but career and technical education (CTE) is making a comeback in the K12 space. Not to say this department ever disappeared from schools. But as performing arts rooms and wood shop buildings were shut down due to school budget constraints, something filled that void – advanced placement (AP) classes, standardized study prep workshops, and more. The question is whether there is a place on a school campus for college readiness and CTE. We absolutely agree there is room, but strategizing how each pathway occupies this available room is important.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) stands at the intersection of practical skill development and academic learning, offering students a pathway to success that may look different than the more traditional college readiness track.
As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of education in the 21st century, it is imperative that we reimagine CTE in schools to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of learners in a rapidly changing world. We want to prepare students to take on those in-demand jobs whether they step foot in college right after high school, take a very long gap year, or never go to college. To understand the significance of this transformation, we must explore the essence of CTE, its historical evolution, its distinctiveness from college readiness, and its pivotal role in shaping the future of education and workforce development. By embracing innovation, equity, and collaboration, we can redefine CTE as a dynamic and inclusive educational framework that empowers students to thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected global society.
The History of CTE Is a Muddled One
The history of career and technical education (CTE), originally called vocational education, is rooted deep in American history. One significant milestone is the opening of the St. Louis Manual Training School in 1879. This school, affiliated with Washington University, aimed to provide education that integrated both academic and technical training, emphasizing the importance of skills needed for woodworking and metalworking.
By the 1920’s, federal funds were being used to establish training programs that focused on various trade and industrial fields. This began due to the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act in 1917. Growing these programs also led to the separation of vocational tracks from general academic programs, targeting a population of individuals aged fourteen and older.
In the 1960s and 1970s, there was a shift in focus within vocational education, with legislation redirecting attention to students with disabilities or those from marginalized populations. The latter is significant, as it fueled the Great Debate among prolific educators like W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington. Some educators viewed vocational education as a path that would limit African Americans from advancing to the highest levels of education. Eventually this period saw a rethinking of the vocational education model, moving away from solely preparing individuals for skilled or semi-skilled work. A new model, which we have today, was emerging that focused on preparing diverse populations for high-skill, high-paying careers which requires a blend of college and career readiness.
Each year roughly $1.4 billion dollars are allocated from federal funds to states as a way to fund CTE programs in schools. This is done through the Perkins Statute. The evolution of CTE has been influenced by changing economic needs and societal perceptions. It has undergone multiple transformations to adapt to the shifting demands of the workforce and to address the stigmas associated with vocational education. But with continued funding and support, CTE is increasingly viewed as a vital pathway for students, offering opportunities for success in a wide range of careers.
From Vocational to CTE – More Than Just A Fancy Title Change
Let’s explore this position change from vocational education to CTE in the 1990s. CTE and Vocational Education are terms often used interchangeably, but they embody distinct philosophies and approaches to preparing students for their future careers. While they share historical roots, it’s crucial to grasp the nuanced differences between the two.
Historical Context:
Vocational education traces back to the early 20th century, focusing primarily on hands-on training and apprenticeships for specific trades. However, the term “vocational education” carried a stigma, suggesting a narrow focus on manual skills without integrating broader academic elements. It also was heavily emphasized to students in low-income, marginalized populations, primarily African Americans, as an alternative to higher education.
CTE emerged as a response to the limitations of vocational education. It signifies a more comprehensive and contemporary approach, blending academic and technical components to prepare students for a wide range of careers within various industries.
- Scope and Breadth:
- Vocational Education: Historically, vocational education concentrated on specific trades or occupations, offering a limited set of skills tailored to immediate workforce demands.
- Career and Technical Education: CTE takes a broader perspective, encompassing various career pathways beyond traditional trades, including emerging sectors like technology, healthcare, and finance.
- Integration of Academic and Technical Skills:
- Vocational Education: Vocational education often lacked integration with academic subjects, focusing primarily on skill training over a well-rounded education.
- Career and Technical Education: CTE integrates academic knowledge with technical skills, acknowledging the importance of a balanced education that prepares students for both higher education and the workforce.
- Flexibility and Adaptability:
- Vocational Education: Traditionally, vocational education may have been perceived as inflexible, emphasizing specific skills for specific jobs without fostering adaptability.
- Career and Technical Education: CTE emphasizes adaptability in a rapidly changing job market, focusing on transferable skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking crucial across multiple industries.
- Academic Rigor:
- Vocational Education: Historically, vocational programs were viewed as lacking academic rigor, emphasizing practical skills.
- Career and Technical Education: CTE programs emphasize rigorous academic coursework alongside hands-on experiences, providing a comprehensive education preparing students for both college and careers.
- Modernization of Content:
- Vocational Education: Traditional vocational programs were viewed as slow to adapt to emerging industries and technological advancements.
- Career and Technical Education: CTE stays current with industry trends, integrating modern technologies and preparing students for the demands of today’s job market.
While vocational education laid the groundwork for skill-based training, CTE represents a more holistic and adaptable approach. This is not to say vocational education is non-existent; people hold degrees as vocational education teachers. However, this shift is noticeable as CTE blends academic rigor with practical skills, preparing students not only for specific jobs but also for a variety of careers and continued education in our rapidly changing world.
What is Career and Technical Education in Schools
CTE encompasses a diverse range of educational programs and pathways designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to succeed in various career fields and industries. Unlike traditional academic subjects, CTE integrates hands-on, experiential learning experiences with academic coursework, preparing students for both post-secondary education and the workforce. CTE programs often include courses in areas such as healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, hospitality, agriculture, and skilled trades, providing students with practical skills and industry certifications that enhance their employability and career prospects upon graduation.
Our modern CTE programs consist of many different electives that students can pick from to help round out their class schedule. Unlike traditional vocational programs of the past, the modern CTE elective offers students a diverse array of pathways and opportunities to explore their interests, develop relevant skills, and pursue meaningful careers in a variety of industries. From medical assistance and information technology to advanced manufacturing and sustainable agriculture, modern CTE electives (that students pick as part of their class schedule) reflect the changing needs and demands of the global economy. These electives integrate cutting-edge technologies, provide students with a path towards receiving industry-recognized certifications, and expose students to hands-on learning experiences that are engaging and inspiring. Modern CTE electives even give students the opportunity to participate in internships and industry-district partnerships before graduating high school! Such exposure through CTE programs at school, equip students with the practical knowledge, critical thinking abilities, and workplace competencies needed to thrive in the 21st-century workforce and contribute to a vibrant and sustainable society.
Implementing CTE On a Budget
While money is allocated each year from federal funds to states, budgets are still limited in what schools can actually provide to students. Implementing CTE electives with limited budgets requires innovative strategies and resourceful planning to maximize impact and accessibility. Schools can effectively implement CTE electives by:
- Leveraging Community Partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community organizations to access resources, funding opportunities, and in-kind donations that support CTE programs and initiatives.
- Utilizing Existing Infrastructure: Optimize existing facilities, equipment, and instructional resources to accommodate CTE electives, repurposing spaces and materials creatively to minimize additional costs.
- Integrating Technology: Embrace digital tools, online resources, and virtual learning platforms to enhance CTE instruction, expand course offerings, and reach students in remote or underserved areas without significant infrastructure investments.
- Professional Development: Invest in teacher training, professional development workshops, and mentorship programs to equip educators with the skills, knowledge, and pedagogical strategies needed to deliver high-quality CTE instruction effectively.
- Grant Opportunities: Seek out grants, funding opportunities, and government initiatives that support CTE programs, career pathways, and workforce development initiatives, leveraging external resources to supplement limited budgets and expand program offerings.
- Creative Funding Models: Explore alternative funding models, such as crowdfunding campaigns, alumni donations, and fundraising events, to generate additional revenue streams and sustain CTE programs in the face of budgetary constraints.
- Flexible Scheduling: Implement flexible scheduling options, such as block scheduling or hybrid models, to optimize course offerings, accommodate diverse student needs, and maximize resource utilization within budgetary constraints.
- Community Engagement: Engage parents, students, alumni, and community stakeholders in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of CTE programs, fostering a sense of ownership, pride, and investment in the success of CTE initiatives within the broader community.
By embracing collaboration, creativity, and strategic planning, schools can overcome budgetary limitations and effectively implement CTE electives that empower students to explore career pathways, develop valuable skills, and achieve academic and professional success.
Parental and Community Support – It Takes a Village
Examples of how parents can implement CTE at home:
- Encourage hands-on projects: Encourage children to engage in hands-on projects that align with their interests and potential career pathways, such as building a model rocket, designing a website, or cooking a new recipe.
- Explore online resources: Explore online platforms and resources that offer interactive tutorials, instructional videos, and virtual simulations in various career fields, allowing children to explore different industries and develop technical skills at home.
- Foster entrepreneurial spirit: Encourage entrepreneurial thinking by supporting children in starting small businesses, creating crafts to sell online, or participating in community events like farmers’ markets or craft fairs.
- Utilize community resources: Take advantage of local community resources, such as libraries, museums, and maker spaces, that offer workshops, classes, and hands-on activities related to career exploration and skill development.
- Connect with industry professionals: Facilitate opportunities for children to connect with industry professionals, mentors, or family members working in fields of interest, allowing them to gain insights into various careers, job shadow, and build valuable networks.
Examples of how the community can support career and technical education exposure to students:
- Industry partnerships: Forge partnerships with local businesses, industries, and professional organizations to offer internships, job shadowing opportunities, and mentorship programs that expose students to real-world work environments and career pathways.
- Workforce development initiatives: Collaborate with community colleges, vocational schools, and workforce development agencies to offer training programs, certifications, and apprenticeships that align with local industry needs and prepare students for high-demand careers.
- Career fairs and expos: Organize career fairs, job expos, and industry showcases that bring together employers, educators, and students to explore diverse career opportunities, network with professionals, and learn about emerging trends in various fields.
- Support for CTE programs: Advocate for funding, resources, and policy initiatives that support the expansion and enhancement of CTE programs in schools, ensuring that students have access to high-quality educational experiences that prepare them for success in college and careers.
- Community engagement: Engage parents, alumni, civic leaders, and other community stakeholders in supporting CTE initiatives through volunteerism, fundraising, and advocacy efforts, fostering a sense of collective responsibility and investment in the future success of students and the local workforce.
How Science L.E.A.F Can Help
The heart of our mission at Science L.E.A.F is to reimagine what learning looks like. Part of that reimagination includes bridging the divide between K12 and Higher Education. After all, some of the best classes and experiences to share at the K12 level come from those who have already “been there and done that.” Our team has a rich and eclectic history of experiences such as spending 10+ years in research laboratory to working on the front lines as a pharmacist or keeping trades people safe at a NASA facility. We know how to bottle up those experiences and use them to create rich, career content that will benefit any student on their CTE journey.
Let’s Recap
- Career and Technical Education has a long history of development in America, all of which involves reform and evolution general philosophies on the purpose of this program.
- Vocational Education and CTE are not the same thing – though used interchangeably they have distinct differences.
- If a school is operating on a limited budget to run a CTE program, there are some useful tips to still make that course a successful and impactful one!
- It takes a village to truly prepare a student to follow the CTE track; from community business leaders to parents, many stakeholders play a role in the success of these programs.
Resources We Trust and Like
- Activities to Get CTE Woven Into Your Classroom Planning [Why we like this: You’ll find some practical and FREE activities to implement CTE in your classroom. Dare we say, some of this can be implemented outside the classroom too!]
- CTE Resources and Lesson Plans [Why we like this: If you are not sure where to start with lesson planning this might be a good resource to get the creative juices flowing.]
- Bringing CTE to the virtual space. [Why we like this: This may have you rethink the way we traditionally view CTE in a brick-and-mortar building. CTE can be implemented online with some help from technology of course!]
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