Bipartisan, Bicameral CTE Month Resolution Introduced, Recognizing CTE Month
Yesterday, leaders of the congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution recognizing February 2026 as Career and Technical Education Month. In the Senate, the resolution was led by CTE caucus co-chairs Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC), Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), while House CTE Caucus Chairs Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) introduced companion legislation.
The resolution supports the goals and ideals of CTE Month and highlights the critical role CTE plays in preparing learners for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers that strengthen the nation’s workforce and economy. Lawmakers emphasized that CTE expands learners’ access to multiple pathways, flexibly connects education to industry needs, and helps employers address workforce shortages in local economies nationwide.
Broad bipartisan support across both chambers reflects continued congressional recognition of CTE’s value to learners, employers, and regional economies. Advance CTE and partners also expressed strong support, noting that the resolution underscores a national commitment to high-quality CTE programs that advance economic mobility and connect education to workforce and economic development. “We are thrilled to support the bipartisan and bicameral 2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month Resolution, reflecting our continued national commitment to high-quality CTE programs that help learners across the country succeed in their educational journeys, secure rewarding careers, and enhance their economic mobility,” said Kate Kreamer, Advance CTE’s Executive Director. Read the full press release here.
For state CTE leaders, the introduction of this resolution signals sustained bipartisan momentum around CTE at the federal level as the dust settles for education and workforce funding in fiscal year (FY) 2026, and reinforces the importance of continued investment, strong state systems, and cross-sector partnerships to meet workforce needs.
Planning an activity for CTE Month? Share the events, communications, and creative activities you’re organizing so we can amplify your work and celebrate CTE nationwide.
U.S. Department of Labor Issues Cancellation of Guidance
Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) issued a Training and Employment Notice (TEN) announcing the cancellation of several existing Training and Employment Guidance Letters (TEGLs) and TENs. The agency directed states and workforce partners to discontinue use of the identified advisories and update related policies, materials, and websites accordingly.
ETA indicated the cancellations were made because certain guidance is outdated or no longer consistent with current administration policy. The rescissions affect several policy areas, including Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth programming, employer engagement strategies, infrastructure workforce initiatives, and nondiscrimination resources. Read the list of cancellations here.
Department of Education Highlights ESSA Flexibilities for Teacher Workforce Strategies
Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) released new guidance emphasizing existing flexibilities under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) that allow states and districts to use Title II, Part A funds to support innovative teacher workforce strategies. The guidance encourages approaches such as strategic staffing models, educator career ladders, differentiated compensation, teacher residencies and apprenticeships, mentoring for new educators, and “Grow Your Own” pipeline programs. Title I funds may also be used for these activities in eligible schoolwide programs. Read the announcement from ED here.
DOL Releases AI Literacy Framework
Earlier today, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published a new Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy framework– an effort intended to support education and training to effectively convey these competencies to learners and workers. The framework organizes AI literacy into four core competency areas: understanding AI fundamentals, using AI tools effectively, evaluating AI systems critically, and applying AI ethically in workplace contexts. The framework is designed specifically for workforce development practitioners and educators to integrate into education and training programs, including practical guidance for adapting content for different learner populations and industry sectors. The framework also emphasizes both technical skills and critical thinking about AI’s limitations, biases, and societal implications while emphasizing that AI literacy is essential for future workforce preparation. Read the framework and related materials here.
Recently, Advance CTE contributed to a related report titled “Preparing Career and Technical Education Learners for an AI-Driven Workforce” on the impact of AI on CTE programs and industries. Next week, Advance CTE’s executive director, Kate Kreamer, will be part of a panel that introduces the Applied Co-Intelligence Model and the implications of the findings for CTE leaders. Click here to register for the webinar.
House Subcommittee Examines College Costs and Return on Investment
Last week, the House Education and Workforce Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development held a hearing titled “Runaway College Spending Meets the Working Families Tax Cuts.” Lawmakers and witnesses focused on rising college costs, institutional spending patterns, and the value of postsecondary credentials, alongside proposals to limit certain federal borrowing and encourage more cost transparency and accountability.
Members raised concerns about increasing administrative spending and the need to ensure that postsecondary programs deliver strong economic returns for students. Witnesses also highlighted the importance of clear cost information and state-level policies to improve efficiency, completion rates, and affordability. Access a recording of the hearing here.
