A new report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) examines strengths and challenges for postsecondary Career Technical Education (CTE) in the U.S.  The authors identified positive aspects including strong labor market returns on associate degrees and certificates, and the inclusiveness of U.S. postsecondary CTE. Broad recommendations were provided in three key areas – funding for quality, aligning credentials to industry needs, and strengthening transitions into and within postsecondary education and the labor market – and more specific recommendations included:
- Linking Title IV student aid (Higher Education Opportunity Act) with stronger quality assurance
- Establishing quality standards for industry certifications
- Supporting postsecondary transitions more systematically
- Developing better data
- Strengthening career counseling
- Improving use of work-based learning
The U.S. Department of Education also released a background piece on postsecondary CTE that was used to inform the study.
NASDCTEc and the College Board recently partnered on a webinar and issue brief to show the relevance of Advanced Placement® (AP) courses and exams to CTE Programs of Study. The issue brief includes information on each Career Cluster® and potential AP courses and exams that could apply to each area. Students, parents, counselors and teachers may find this document especially useful to help CTE students follow programs of study that lead to college and career readiness and success.
Kara Herbertson, Research and Policy Manager
Tags: postsecondary, programs of study