State legislatures and regulatory bodies were very active passing measures to support, expand, and fund career technical education programs last year.
A new report released Feb. 5 highlights about 150 new policies recently approved in 46 states and the District of Columbia for programs at both the high school and college level.
Released by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), based in Alexandria, Va., and the Silver Spring, Md.- headquartered National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc), the review includes a roundup of laws that expand partnerships with businesses, promote access to dual and concurrent enrollment, and create incentives or competitive funds for high-quality CTE programs, among other measures.
“This continued spike in CTE-related policies indicates a growing awareness and interest in using CTE as a means to increase postsecondary credential attainment, provide students with real-world experience and prepare a workforce with knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the nation’s competitive edge,” the report said.
There were 36 states that provided additional funding for CTE, led by California which invested $250 million in its Career Pathways Trust Grant. There were 28 states that approved measures strengthening employer engagement, and 24 states made it easier for high school students to transfer college credits across institutions in 2014. Other legislative activity revolved around industry-related credentials, graduation requirements, and data reporting.