Career Technical Education (CTE) has had a long struggle with stigma. Despite programs preparing students for both college and career, and a 10 percent higher graduation rate for CTE students compared to the national average, CTE remains plagued by outdated perceptions and stereotypes.
To help combat these perception challenges, Advance CTE with support from the Siemens Foundation, released a new report addressing this important issue, and offering solutions to drive students and parents to consider CTE as an option for their education.
“The Value and Promise of Career Technical Education: Results from a National Survey of Parents and Students,” explores the attitudes of parents and students currently involved in CTE, as well as prospective CTE parents and students, to improve understanding of the promise and opportunity of CTE.
The survey had many critical findings including: 
- More than double the percentage of CTE parents and students are ‘very satisfied’ with their overall education experience compared to that of parents and students not involved in CTE
- CTE parents and students are more likely to be satisfied with the quality of their classes, teachers and opportunity for career exploration
- Across the board, CTE programs are most valued for their ability to provide real-world skills within the education system, offering concrete and tangible benefits related to college and career success
- Counselors, teachers and CTE students and alumni are among the most trusted sources of information for students and parents alike
The report highlights findings that can help states, district and local leaders more effectively communicate with parents and students to encourage interested students to enroll in CTE programs.
To help you get started, Advance CTE has developed a series of tools including talking points and supportive statements, Dos and Don’ts and a fact sheet. Learn more here.
Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications