Education Commission of the States Releases Policy Snapshot of Career and Technical Education

Report: Policy Snapshot: Career and Technical Education

Author: Tom Keily

Source: Education Commission of the States

A report released this month by the Education Commission of the States highlights recent state legislation enacted to prepare secondary students for postsecondary programs in career and technical education (CTE).

At least 35 CTE bills were enacted in 25 states in 2017, with a further 87 bills signed into law in 32 states and the District of Columbia last year.

The brief describes examples of state legislation enacted in 2017 and 2018 that promote CTE courses. In 2017 and 2018:

1. Seventeen states enacted legislation to improve secondary students’ awareness of CTE options and support in accessing them.
2. Fourteen states enacted legislation establishing collaborations among government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders and promoting CTE research.
3. Nine states enacted legislation recognizing CTE courses in high school graduation requirements and offering high school students dual enrollment opportunities in CTE.
4. Eleven states enacted legislation to increase work-based learning opportunities for secondary students.
5. Fifteen states enacted legislation funding investments in CTE programs.

The brief also highlights states like Michigan and Vermont, where legislators passed comprehensive packages of CTE policies to promote workforce development.

To read more, find the brief here.

—Sam Imlay