Stuck in a false and outmoded choice between career preparation and rigorous academics, the United States has shunned the kind of coherent, intensive preparation that most students in Germany, Finland, and Switzerland have. The cost to individual students and families, and to the nation’s economy, is enormous, says this report from Chiefs for Change. Improving the quality and reach of career and technical education (CTE) must be one of the new top priorities for the nation’s schools, the report says.
Modern, high-quality CTE programs complement strong, college-preparatory academics, while deeply engaging students, the report states. Such strong programs actually can open the door for students to additional learning, degrees, and credentials after high school.