Career & Technical Education

Explainer

High school seniors Alex Yates, left, and David Romero work on an assembly line machine in a mechatronics class in the career and technical education program at Warren County High School in McMinnville, Tenn., in 2017. The technology skills they learn in the class help prepare them for jobs in the area’s booming automotive industry.
What Is Career and Technical Education, Anyway?
Find answers to eight commonly asked questions about career and technical education here.
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Students in the aviation program at Magruder High School in Rockville, Md., practice flying on flight simulators.
Students in the aviation program at Magruder High School in Rockville, Md., practice flying on flight simulators located in the school.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week
Curriculum Photos PHOTOS: Connecting the Classroom to the Real World of Aviation
A curriculum designed to teach students the skills necessary for careers in the aviation industry connects the classroom to the real world.
Jaclyn Borowski , May 17, 2022
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1 min read
Sophomore Byron Barksdale, left, and classmates from Magruder High School’s aviation program examine the inside of a charter plane at the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., on April 6, 2022.
Sophomore Byron Barksdale, left, and classmates from Magruder High School’s aviation program examine the inside of a charter plane at the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., on April 6, 2022.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week
Curriculum Want Students to Become Better Problem Solvers? Then Teach Them to Fly Planes and Drones
A free, relatively new curriculum that teaches students about the concepts of flying planes and drones is growing quickly nationwide.
Kevin Bushweller, May 3, 2022
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10 min read
Sophomore Byron Barksdale, left, and classmates from Magruder High School’s aviation program examine the inside of a charter plane at the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., on April 6, 2022.
Sophomore Byron Barksdale, left, and classmates from Magruder High School’s aviation program examine the inside of a charter plane at the Montgomery County Airpark in Gaithersburg, Md., on April 6, 2022.
Jaclyn Borowski/Education Week
Curriculum Video Planes, Drones, and Mathematics: How One Aviation Curriculum Is Opening Doors for Students
Students across the country are learning problem-solving skills in a curriculum that prepares them for careers in the aviation industry.
Jaclyn Borowski , May 3, 2022
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Nurse giving man injection
Getty
College & Workforce Readiness Student Interest in Health-Care Careers Takes Off During Pandemic
The coronavirus crisis is boosting a trend toward health-care and medical pathways. The challenge is getting students hands-on training.
Sarah D. Sparks, March 2, 2021
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7 min read
Susana Cordova, deputy superintendent of leading and learning at the Dallas Independent School District
Susana Cordova, deputy superintendent of leading and learning at the Dallas Independent School District.
Allison V. Smith for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Leader Reflection An Untapped Path to Equity Runs Through Career-Technical Education
Former EdWeek Leader to Learn From Susana Cordova, now with the Dallas district, highlights how CTE could be harnessed to create equity.
Susana Cordova, February 17, 2021
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6 min read
Andrew Stanley, 16, embeds a tissue sample in paraffin wax in preparation to create a microscope slide, a task that does not require a mask or gloves. Stanley, a biotech freshman at Minuteman High School in Lexington, Mass., was allowed to work three days a week at his father's histopathology lab when the school campus closed; he takes online classes the other two days a week.
Andrew Stanley, 16, embeds a tissue sample in paraffin wax in preparation to create a microscope slide, a task that does not require a mask or gloves. Stanley, a biotech freshman at Minuteman High School in Lexington, Mass., was allowed to work three days a week at his father's histopathology lab when the school campus closed; he takes online classes the other two days a week.
Courtesy of James Stanley
College & Workforce Readiness Coronavirus, Economic Crisis Cloud Resurgence of Career Tech Ed.
Career technical education has been on a roll lately, but educators fear that will change, as unemployment soars and some students are cut off from hands-on learning opportunities.
Sarah D. Sparks, May 12, 2020
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9 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Leader To Learn From A Superintendent’s Commitment to Getting Students ‘Future Ready’
Bryan Johnson, the superintendent of Hamilton County Schools in Chattanooga, Tenn., has created an array of “future-ready” institutes, where students gain real-world exposure– through mentorship, job-shadow opportunities, and rigorous coursework—to in-demand jobs while they are still in high school. He is recognized as a 2020 Leader To Learn From.
Catherine Gewertz, February 19, 2020
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9 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Leader To Learn From An Unorthodox Strategy Closes Academic Gaps
In a test-obsessed K-12 system, Superintendent Shari Camhi has taken a holistic view of education without sacrificing rigorous academics. The Baldwin Union Free School District, N.Y., leader has helped close graduation gaps, and black and Latino students in the district far outpace their peers in the county and state. Her secret ingredient: themed career academies open to all students. She is recognized as a 2020 Leader To Learn From.
Andrew Ujifusa, February 19, 2020
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8 min read
Students clean airplane parts in a class at Aviation High School in Queens, N.Y. The class prepares students for careers in aviation, while also simulating a union shop.
Students clean airplane parts in a class at Aviation High School in Queens, N.Y. The class prepares students for careers in aviation, while also simulating a union shop.
Jackie Molloy for Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness These Shop Teachers Told Their Students to Form a Union
Two N.Y. teachers have added an extra dose of realism to lessons by transforming their 10th grade aircraft cleaning and maintenance classes into unionized workplaces.
Madeline Will, November 12, 2019
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9 min read
Science Opinion How to Engage All Students in STEM
Many resources are available to help engage all students in STEM learning and help them persist in STEM careers.
Heather Singmaster, July 9, 2019
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7 min read
Classroom Technology Opinion Teaching Empathy Through Documentary Films
Teaching through documentary film can open students up to other's points of view. Guest bloggers from BYkids share tips and resources.
Holly Carter & Zoe Barnstone-Clark, July 1, 2019
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5 min read
International Opinion Four Ways to Bring Community Support to Your School
Guest blogger Christine Powell shares four strategies she learned in Singapore for community involvement in schools.
Christine Powell, May 30, 2019
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5 min read
College & Workforce Readiness Now There's a National 'Signing Day' for Career Programs
Starting today, students who choose careers in the skilled trades have a nationwide event designed to celebrate their decisions.
Catherine Gewertz, May 8, 2019
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2 min read
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