On the federal and state levels, 2019 was an important year for Career Technical Education (CTE). In addition to creating their four-year state plans for the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V), at least 45 states and Palau enacted at least 208 policy actions related to CTE and career readiness.
This report from Advance CTE, the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and the Education Commisison of the States (ECS) is the seventh annual review of CTE and career readiness policies across the United States. It represents the most comprehensive national snapshot of state activity related to CTE and career readiness, and provides a critical opportunity for state and national leaders to reflect on national trends and consider future directions.
In 2019, states most frequently addressed the following topics:
- Funding;
- Industry Partnerships and Work-based Learning;
- Industry-recognized credentials;
- Governance; and
- Access and Equity.
Reports from previous years can be found on the State Policies Impacting CTE: Year in Review series page. Advance CTE members can download a State Policy Tracker for each year and view these policies in further detail.