Career Technical Education (CTE) prepares learners by integrating workforce preparation with engaging techniques. As CTE educators and leaders, we shape the future workforce by leveraging tools that enhance decision-making and assessment practices. Let’s explore how data-based decision-making and meaningful assessments drive progress in CTE.
Empowerment through Data-Driven Decisions. CTE leaders have unprecedented access to data, allowing for informed decision-making. At NOCTI/Nocti Business Solutions (NBS), we emphasize data verification and triangulation to ensure accuracy in curriculum development, program support, and resource allocation. Data-driven approaches enhance quality assurance, align programs with workforce needs, and promote continuous improvement.
The Reflective Power of Meaningful Assessments. Assessments are critical to learning, yet often overlooked. The Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) highlights comprehensive assessment practices in its Quality CTE Program of Study Framework (2018). Measuring progress and providing targeted feedback helps learners identify strengths and areas for improvement, fueling growth.
Effective assessments recognize achievements. NOCTI/NBS develops national technical standards and industry certifications, empowering learners with credentials that offer a labor market advantage. Verified certifications build confidence and provide tangible proof of skills, ensuring learners are career-ready. NOCTI/NBS remains committed to providing trusted, third-party credentialing opportunities for CTE.
Approaching Data Work with a Growth Mindset. After years of advocating for data-driven decisions in CTE, I must highlight a key factor in the success of these decisions.
Aimee Guidara, former executive director of the Data Quality Campaign, reminds us, “We need to use data as a flashlight, not a hammer. In the past, education data has been used oftentimes as a blunt instrument … to make [educators] feel like they’ve failed … Data, when used well, can be used to shine a light on what’s working … This idea of data as a flashlight is absolutely critical to the idea of using data not only for compliance purposes, not only for accountability purposes, but for using information for continuous improvement (Rosenberg, 2013).”
Empowerment Through Data-Fueled Collaborations! Industry-education partnerships are essential to CTE. Data-driven decision-making and meaningful assessments strengthen collaborations with industry partners by sharing outcomes, aligning programs with workforce needs, and involving business leaders in the certification process. These efforts ensure learners graduate with in-demand skills.
Call to Action: Tap the Power of Assessment and Data-Driven Decisions. Assessment and data are more than just metrics—they empower learners and enhance programs. CTE leaders can take these actions to maximize impact:
- Integrate Robust Assessment Practices: Embed systems that measure learning and provide actionable feedback for continuous improvement.
- Champion Verified Third-Party Industry-Valued Certifications: Advocate for ISO-accredited certifications that verify learner skills and enhance employability.
- Enhance Collaboration with Industry Partners: Share data and align programs with workforce needs through industry partnerships.
- Advocate for Policy Changes: Engage policymakers to integrate effective assessment systems and certifications into education policies.
By embracing data-driven decisions and meaningful assessments, we empower CTE learners to exceed expectations and contribute to their communities and the economy. To learn more about our CTE partnership efforts, contact me at [email protected]. Your leadership is vital to the future workforce!
Kathleen McNally, CEO, NOCTI
The views, opinions, services, and products shared in this post are solely for educational purposes and do not imply agreement or endorsement by Advance CTE, nor discrimination against similar brands, products, or services not mentioned.
