It’s been a busy fall for research, data and initiatives relevant to CTE. Here are a few highlights:
- After about a decade of incremental improvements, scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress dropped this year. This year, math scores were lower for grade 4 and 8 as compared to 2013; reading scores were the same for grade 4 and lower for grade 8 than in 2013. On the bright side, scores are still higher than in the early 1990s.
- The American Association of Community Colleges and the Association of Community College Trustees are partnering with Higher Ed for Higher Standards to push for rigorous K-12 standards in an effort to better prepare students for postsecondary education.
- According to member CEOs and business leaders surveyed by the Committee on Economic Development, the top competencies for hiring are problem solving, the ability to work with people from different backgrounds, critical thinking and teamwork/collaboration. Meanwhile, the top competencies in shortest supply are quantitative ability/numeracy, creativity and innovation, STEM skills and critical thinking.
In addition, two new publications focus on the development of career pathways:
- Policies for workforce alignment and career pathways in 13 states are highlighted in a recent Education Commission of the States brief (learn more about state CTE policies with the annual review published by ACTE and the National Association of State Directors of CTE Consortium).
- Four career pathways initiatives—the Pathways to Prosperity Network, Alliance for Quality Career Pathways, National Career Cluster Framework and Advanced Career Pathways—are profiled by the College & Career Readiness & Success Center. The brief also highlights a few state exemplars, such as Massachusetts' Gateway Cities Education Agenda and Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grants in Wisconsin.
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