When most people think of vocational education, they may recall the old shop classes, welding, cooking, or sewing from high school. However, education in the trades has come a long way since those days. With the passage of the Carl D. Perkins Act in 1984, schools were given federal funds to prepare students for high-demand, high-wage jobs in the vocational trades. In 2018, the Perkins Act was reauthorized to strengthen CTE programs and is now referred to as Perkins V. Over the last 40 years, vocational education has transformed into what we now know as Career and Technical Education (CTE).
Today, schools that apply for and receive federal funding through the Perkins grant are required to meet certain standards to ensure their programs provide students with the skills needed for the modern workforce. These standards guide the use of funds and the development of CTE programs that prepare students for success in a rapidly changing job market.
Why CTE Matters
The need for skilled labor is critical not only in our East Texas communities but across the entire country. About 20 years ago, there was a national push for more students to attend college. While this initiative helped many, it also resulted in a significant number of graduates facing difficulty finding jobs and a growing burden of student loan debt.
While college is essential for some career paths, many students have little interest in pursuing additional education after high school. These students are eager to enter the workforce and begin building a career right after graduation. CTE offers an alternative pathway that allows them to do just that, equipping them with the practical skills needed to succeed in a variety of industries.
Empowering Students with Choices
One of the greatest strengths of CTE programs is that they offer students choices. Through Work-Based Learning (WBL) experiences, students can fast-track their careers in fields like public health. This gives them the chance to explore and gain hands-on experience in industries before committing to the expense of college. For example, students in healthcare programs can determine if a career in the medical field is right for them without investing thousands of dollars in a college degree.
Students who choose to focus on trade skills can earn Industry-Based Certifications that open doors to well-paying jobs immediately after high school. These credentials provide a valuable alternative to a four-year degree, allowing students to enter the workforce confidently and successfully.
Real-World Experiences: EMT Program at Hawkins ISD
A great example of CTE in action is the EMT program at Hawkins ISD. During a recent roundtable discussion, students shared how much they’ve enjoyed shadowing EMTs on the weekends and applying their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. The experience has opened their eyes to the many opportunities available to them after graduation, whether that’s working as an EMT on an ambulance or providing medical support on an offshore oil rig. Their enthusiasm for their future careers is inspiring and a testament to the power of CTE programs to shape students’ futures.
The Importance of a Robust CTE Program
A school district with a strong CTE program demonstrates a commitment to preparing students for success in whatever career path they choose. It’s about ensuring that each student leaves high school with a clear plan that aligns with their interests, skills, and goals.
In addition to the benefits for students, CTE programs can also provide financial benefits to schools. With many districts facing budget deficits this year, expanding CTE offerings can help increase funding through CTE state allotment, CCMR outcome bonuses, and other grant initiatives. This, in turn, allows schools to reinvest in their programs and provide even more opportunities for their students.
CTE and the State Accountability System
The growing emphasis on CTE is also tied to the state’s A-F accountability system. In Domain 1: Student Achievement, a district’s CCMR (College, Career, and Military Readiness) factor counts for 40% of the evaluation, alongside STAAR scores (40%) and graduation rates (20%). Schools are tracking 9th to 12th-grade students to ensure they meet the CCMR indicator and are prepared for post-graduation success.
Many districts have taken this a step further, striving to ensure that students are both college and career-ready. This dual focus means that students have multiple options after graduation, and districts can earn performance-based funding that can be reinvested into future CTE programs.
The Future of Education: CTE in Action
CTE provides students with a practical, hands-on approach to learning, enabling them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. When academic teachers collaborate with CTE instructors, the depth of learning increases, preparing students for success in the workforce. The impact of a campus culture that embraces CTE is profound—higher STAAR scores, fewer discipline problems, and better attendance. Whether driven by state initiatives, accountability requirements, or best practices, Career and Technical Education is becoming essential to the educational landscape.
To learn more about Career and Technical Education and the opportunities available through CTE programs, reach out to a member of the Region 7 CTE team.
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Carrie Chandler is a CTE Specialist at Region 7 ESC with over 9 years of experience in Career and Technical Education. She has been in education for 19 years as a teacher, coach, and administrator. Carrie aspires to end generational poverty by helping districts provide quality CTE programs. She has been a statewide presenter for the Career and Technical Association of Texas, the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Texas Association of School Administrators to support districts on College, Career, and Military Readiness for accountability, and to increase funding through Career and Technical Education programs. |
Perkins Collaborative Resource Network. History of the Perkins Act. U.S. Department of Education, 2023, https://cte.ed.gov/legislation/perkins-v#:~:text=History%20of%20the%20Act,of%202006%20(Perkins%20IV).
Texas Education Agency. Perkins V State Plan. Texas Education Agency, https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/perkins-v.
Texas Education Agency. Texas Accountability Rating System. Texas Education Agency, 2024, https://tea.texas.gov/texas-schools/accountability/academic-accountability/performance-reporting/2024-accountability-system.
PBS NewsHour. "After Decades of Pushing Bachelor’s Degrees, U.S. Needs More Tradespeople." PBS.org, 29 Aug. 2017, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/education/decades-pushing-bachelors-degrees-u-s-needs-tradespeople.