January 25, 2018 – Silver Spring, MD –  Last year saw a significant expansion of state Career Technical Education (CTE) policy, with 49 states and the District of Columbia enacting 241 CTE-related laws, executive orders, boards of education actions and budget provisions, far exceeding the number of policy actions in 2016. Today, Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) released their fifth annual report, State Policies Impacting CTE: 2017 Year in Review, summarizing these policy activities, and identifying major themes and trends in CTE policymaking in 2017.

This report, the only one of its kind that provides an overview of all CTE-related laws, regulations and state actions, identifies funding as the top policy category for 2017, as it has been in each year’s publication, with 44 states passing funding-related provisions. This was followed by data, reporting and/or accountability (42); industry-recognized credentials (39); dual/concurrent enrollment, articulation and early college (38); and industry partnerships/work-based learning (36). The significant increase in policy actions was influenced by implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act.

“State leaders have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to quality CTE programs of study that prepare learners for a lifetime of career success,” said Kimberly Green, Advance CTE Executive Director. “Their dedication and efforts have resulted in significant investments in CTE, and we look forward to supporting states as they continue their work to ensure CTE is meeting the needs of employers and learners in every community across the nation.”

“This report is evidence that in every corner of the country, policymakers are acknowledging the critical role that CTE plays in preparing students for career success,” said LeAnn Wilson, ACTE Executive Director. “Together, with policymakers at every level of government, we can further strengthen the CTE ecosystem and redouble our efforts to ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve the career of his or her dreams.”

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.

About Advance CTE
Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports visionary state leadership, cultivates best practices and speaks with a collective voice on national policy to promote academic and technical excellence that ensures a career-ready workforce.