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​CTE programs prepare students to enter today’s competitive workforce. CTE courses support the California Common Core State Standards and CTE Model Curriculum Standards, preparing students for a successful high school experience, post-secondary options and the world of work.
The Office of the State Superintendent of Education, describes a High Quality CTE Program of Study to include the following attributes:
- Prepares students for entry-level employment in a specific occupation and is aligned with business/industry standards
- Consists of a coherent sequence of two or more CTE courses, and includes strong academic and career and technical courses
- May lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the secondary level
- Incorporates opportunities to participate in structured learning experiences and career and technical student organizations (CTSO)
- Incorporates applied, contextual, cross curricular and interdisciplinary instructional strategies into the curricula
- Leads to an industry-recognized credential, certificate in post-secondary education, apprenticeship and an associate or baccalaureate degree
- Incorporates and aligns secondary and post-secondary education elements such as curricula, standards and assessments
- Incorporates opportunities to participate in structured learning experiences, and career and technical student organizations
- Incorporates applied, contextual, cross curricular and interdisciplinary instructional strategies into the curricula
- Provides students with opportunities to earn college credit for college courses successfully completed during high school (e.g., dual/concurrent credit or articulated credit)
- Includes an articulation agreement or memorandum of understanding to ensure that students have a seamless transition from secondary into post-secondary education.
Frequently Asked Questions about CTE
1. What is CTE?
CTE programs prepare students to enter today’s competitive workforce. CTE courses support the California Common Core State Standards and CTE Model Curriculum Standards, preparing students for a successful high school experience, postsecondary options and the world of work.
2. Is there proof CTE actually works?
Yes. According to many studies, CTE graduates are 10-15% more likely to be in the labor force, and earn 8-9% more than graduates of academic programs (Sage, 2001). Additionally, a ratio of one CTE class for every two academic classes minimizes the risk of students dropping out of high school (Plank et al., Dropping Out of High School and the Place of Career and Technical Education, National Research Center for CTE, 2005). The average high school graduation rate in 2008 for students concentrating in CTE programs was 90%, compared to the average nationwide graduation rate of 75%(U.S. Department of Education 2007-2008 data, National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium analysis).
3. Is CTE only for students who are not college bound?
No. CTE is designed for all students, providing a foundation of industry based technical skills and academic knowledge. CTE courses help all students make informed decisions about college and career choices.
4. How do CTE internships work?
CTE internship opportunities are available for students who are currently taking a CTE course. CTE teachers arrange student internship opportunities and track student progress of CTE course objectives during the internship. Liability insurance is covered by the school district for unpaid internships and by the employer for paid internships.
5. Can students earn community college credit for taking CTE classes?
Yes. Many CTE classes have articulation agreements with local community colleges.
6. Do any CTE courses offer UC a-g credit?
Yes. Statewide there are over 11,000 CTE courses that earn UC a-g credit. Several CTE classes in Orange Unified School District have UC a-g designations.
7. Where can students find out about CTE classes offered at their high school?
Students should contact their school counselors or Career Techs in the Career Center for CTE course offerings and enrollment information.
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