Career and Technical Education
Vision - Career and Technical Education (CTE) provides a contextual application of academic competencies, skills and standards. CTE contributes to the overall education of Minnesota citizens through its emphasis on strong technical and occupational skills. CTE contributes to the economic vitality of individuals, families and the broader community by enhancing a learner’s preparation for participation in a career, life-long learning and responsible citizenship.

Information For Students and Parents	Information For Teachers and Counselors	Information For Community

CTE programs blend traditional academic subjects with the practical application of skills. They also promote genuine learning and authentic accountability. As a discipline, CTE is based on the following:

A. Benchmarking against standards

Various occupational or industry-specific standards define ultimate expectations for workers within a CTE program. CTE is expected to address these standards.

B. Assessing student achievement through demonstrated performance

From building a bench to creating a spreadsheet to demonstrating CPR, CTE has always expected students to show what they know. This type of performance assessment is an important element of many standards-based educational systems and is considered a best practice in the field of education.

C. Creating partnerships with business, industry, and community groups

Partnerships, with groups beyond the school walls, enrich students’ understanding of the world and the world’s understanding of students. Through student participation in job-shadowing, internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning programs, partners provide them the experience of being “out into the real world.” Through providing speakers, mentors, equipment and program expertise, partners bring the “real world” of work, community and family into the schools.

D. Promoting student organizations to acquire and demonstrate the knowledge and
skills of a discipline

CTE has a rich history of strong student organizations. Students participating in Future Farmers of America (FFA), Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or other student groups have opportunities to reflect and extend their classroom or partnership experiences. In many instances, these organizations provide opportunities to meet or demonstrate proficiency in industry and national curricula, in a variety of settings.

E. Coordinating with higher education to recognize and build on specific skills
acquired in high school

Specific articulation agreements between high school and post-secondary schools (including technical colleges, trade schools, and two-year and four-year comprehensive higher education institutions) allow students to earn credit toward graduation or completion in both programs. These agreements specify the common outcomes of the courses and provide clarity about what a student completing the course or program of study has accomplished.

CTE Frameworks Publication
Minnesota Department of Education, 3/2004 CTE-8
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Academic_Excellence/Career_Technical_Education/Forms_Resources/index.html