Throughout history, a disproportionate number of learners have been tracked into terminal vocational programs based on their race, income, gender and disability, leading to jobs with uncertain promise of economic growth and prosperity. While the quality of Career Technical Education (CTE) programs has significantly improved since then, many learners cannot access high-quality CTE programs of study that prepare them for success in postsecondary education and their future careers.
This is the first brief in the Making Good on the Promise series, which examines equity in CTE. The brief attempts to confront the negative aspects of CTE’s legacy and define the key challenges learners face today. It draws on research and historical data to paint a picture of CTE’s conflicted history and the opportunity it can provide.
The Making Good on the Promise series is made possible through the New Skills for Youth initiative, a partnership of the Council of Chief State School Officers, Advance CTE and Education Strategy Group, generously funded by JPMorgan Chase & Co.
