CTE's Role in Urban Education

Overview & Synopsis

Education in the United States is facing a crisis of completion and performance, both at the secondary and postsecondary levels, with high dropout rates and a significant number of students ill-prepared for further education and careers. These problems are even more acute in America's urban schools. Today's CTE is on the cutting edge of connecting students to their futures through relevant education. These programs engage and prepare students for postsecondary education and a range of career opportunities by providing core academic, employability and technical skills through an integrated, applied and connected curriculum. While CTE cannot claim to solve the structural problems that exist in urban schools, such as budget and staffing issues, it can address the issue of student engagement and connect more urban students to positive educational experiences. CTE programs engage urban students by providing rigorous and relevant coursework, fostering positive relationships, establishing clear pathways, and connecting education and careers--fulfilling a unique and positive role in today's urban education system. The net effect of CTE programs in urban school districts is higher graduation rates and improved academic performance, leading to well-educated and trained individuals ready to succeed in both postsecondary education and their careers. Policymakers and education leaders in urban areas will be well served, and will serve their students well, by considering widespread adoption of CTE programs and strategies. (Contains 5 endnotes.)