Career Technical Education courses and programs are those educational options that offer specific occupational and technical skills related to identified industry clusters. A key element of these educational offerings is applied, hands-on learning that simulates and directly relates to activities and skills utilized within the corresponding occupations and careers. Academic content standards are naturally embedded into quality career technical education programs. It is through the explicit instruction of these standards within an authentic and practical context (i.e. career technical education) that students’ understanding of the purpose of their academic program and how they will apply their knowledge and skills in the world beyond the classroom walls is enhanced. Quality career technical education programs, while incorporating academic content standards, provide a non-duplicative sequence of courses leading to an industry-recognized credential or certificate and/or articulate with postsecondary educational/training programs. CTE educational opportunities should be provided to both youth and adults in a range of occupational/career areas that correspond to current and future labor market demands and need. These programs should be offered in middle schools, high schools, regional occupation centers and programs, adult schools, apprenticeship programs, community and technical colleges and other postsecondary institutions. Career technical education should be integrated with academics to provide students with a rigorous and relevant educational experience, along with preparation for advanced educational and training opportunities and employment.
High quality CTE programs encompass a number of key elements, individualized to the needs of the local community and student population. The key elements of high quality programs include:

• Leadership at all levels of the district education system

• Rigorous curriculum and instruction

• A comprehensive system of career exploration, guidance and preparation, K-16

• Student support and student leadership development

• Industry partnerships

• System and course alignment and coherence

• Effective organizational design

• System responsiveness to changing economic and workplace demands

• Skilled faculty with ongoing professional development Evaluation, accountability and continuous program improvement

• Systematic promotion, outreach and communication at all levels