Career and Technical Education

           For Schools with CTE Programs:  New Program Approval Process Launched

• Re-Approval
• Launching a Program Approval Application and Review Process for your CTE program
• Developing a New CTE Program
  

High Schools with Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs integrate rigorous academic study with workforce skills in specific career pathways. Students participate in programs that meet business and industry standards. Students receive instruction in an industry-related area and have the opportunity to graduate high school with industry-specific competencies and skills that lead to postsecondary education, further industry training and/or entry into the workforce.

CTE Programs of Study differ from industry to industry but share common elements; including:

• Rigorous standards for graduation, reflecting 21^st century competencies
• A cohesive sequence of academic courses paired with CTE courses and integrated content as appropriate, building to both basic and enhanced competencies.
• Specific mechanisms that connect the entire high school program to a related industry and postsecondary pathway.
• Designed to culminate with a recognized credential or certificate and explicit postsecondary opportunities.

Currently, approximately 110,000 students are enrolled in 285 CTE programs of study and in individual CTE elective courses.  Twenty-six designated “CTE schools” enroll approximately 30,000 of these students; the remainder attend comprehensive high schools around the city including small schools, specialized high schools, schools with small learning communities. etc.

In 2001, NYSED introduced a CTE program approval process to foster high quality career and technical education programs.  Seventy-one (71) programs in New York City are currently approved by the State, and reflect elements of enhanced quality and student outcomes.  Students completing a State approved program of study are eligible for a technical endorsement on their diploma.

Click here for a list of CTE Programs of Study in NYC.

• Mayoral Task Force on CTE Innovation
  In his January 2008 State of the City address, Mayor Bloomberg made career and technical education (CTE) innovation a city-wide priority, announcing his commitment to improve student achievement in this area and charging a mayoral task force to report findings and recommendations on ways to improve CTE and contribute to continuing gains in the City’s overall high school graduation rate.