Making High School Relevant: A Framework for Career and Technical Education RAPSA Webinar April 1, 2016 Presenters: Alisha Hyslop, Director of Public Policy, ACTE Kisha Bird, Director, Youth Policy, CLASP Facilitator: Ernie Silva, Exec. Director of External Affairs, SIATech

ACTE: What is our core purpose? ACTE provides leadership in developing an educated, prepared, and competitive workforce. Organization need to collaborate in this day and age

ACTE: Who We Are? Largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of career and technical education (CTE) Standing up for the cause of CTE for 85+ years Recognized leader in legislative advocacy Provider of support and professional development to active, vibrant community of CTE professionals Connected to many other sector organizations, Career Technical Student Organizations and employers 501(c)(3) headquartered in Washington, D.C. area Mention materials and that the membership info is primarily intended to communicate what we do Mention state affiliates and connections to other organizations in the CTE community as “umbrella” Mention CTE Universe of over 200,000 CTE educators nationwide Underscore the CTSO’s – 11 and secondary/postsecondary; intracurricular; authorized by US Congress; student competitions Mention NPS, VISION, Best Practices and region conferences

Aligns/Supports Academics High School and College Partnerships Career and Technical Education For All Students For All “Careers” 16 Clusters—81 Pathways Aligns/Supports Academics High School and College Partnerships

Why is CTE Important? CTE links students to the “real-world” using instructional strategies like work-based learning opportunities in ways that many other high school programs cannot. There is a growing need for credentials, postsecondary education, and training after high school. CTE=hands-on learning, connection between education and careers. Rigor, relevance and relationships!

Research Shows CTE Students… are more engaged in their education graduate from high school at higher rates and score higher on academic achievement tests gain critical employability skills earn industry-recognized credentials focus on careers aligned to state and local economic priorities are the backbone of the future U.S. workforce!

Programs of Study Incorporate and align secondary and postsecondary education Include academic and technical content in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses May include the opportunity for dual credit Lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the postsecondary level, or an associate or baccalaureate degree

High-quality CTE Initiative ACTE is embarking on a multi-step project to: synthesize the different voices in the high-quality CTE dialogue identify a comprehensive, research-based quality CTE program of study framework test the framework integrate it into our efforts to recognize and disseminate information on best practices within CTE First phase: Defining high-quality CTE Working with REL Central in CO

Contemporary Perspectives on CTE Quality Paper released July 2015 Began by looking at how CTE quality is already being discussed and defined Research questions: How and why were current frameworks developed? How are current frameworks structured? What elements appear in current frameworks?

Content Findings Most common content codes: INVOLVE – Business partners 21 INVOLVE – Education partners 20 DATA – Accountability/outcomes 19 DELIVERY – Credit transfer opportunities 18 DELIVERY – Work-based learning CONTENT – Vertical alignment/course sequences PROGRAM/SCHOOL/SYSTEM – Statement of mission, vision and/or support from leadership 17 ASSESS – Assessment GUIDANCE – Career development INVOLVE – Community partners Pathways inherent in the structure of several of these

Conclusions Room for greater clarity and consistency in the conversation about high-quality CTE Particular focus on individual local programs is missing Key trends in content are readily identifiable and can inform other efforts Need to consider how individual programs fit within broader initiatives

Research Process Focused on quality elements for single Programs of Study Reviewed original frameworks, companion documents, state policy documents, and “single-element” frameworks Examined individual pieces of content in each Draft includes 12 elements and multiple criteria under each

High-quality CTE Elements Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum Access and Equity Facilities and Equipment Sequencing and Articulation Business and Community Partnerships Student Assessment Career Development Prepared and Effective Program Staff Career Technical Student Organizations Engaging Instructional Strategies Work-based Learning Data and Outcomes

Next Steps Collect input into framework Validate through: A targeted literature review Additional focus groups conducted with CTE experts Pilot testing of the revised framework Develop a corresponding rubric and other implementation tools

Key Resources www.acteonline.org Techniques Magazine CTE Policy Watch Blog Educators in Action Blog ACTE News Action Center Fact Sheets Issue Briefs/Sheets Online Seminars Infographics Professional Development

For more info, visit: http://www.acteonline.org/high-qualityCTE/ Contact Info For more info, visit: http://www.acteonline.org/high-qualityCTE/ Alisha Hyslop 703-683-9331 ahyslop@acteonline.org