News Analysis
Jon Graft is leading the charge to revive vocational education in public schools, aiming to ignite a passion for learning among students. As the superintendent of the Butler Tech District in Ohio, Graft is part of a movement that seeks to reshape education by providing hands-on training in various career fields, including healthcare, computer science, engineering, skilled trades, and the arts, to high school students of all abilities.
These state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, like Butler Tech, focus on engaging students through practical coursework, internships, and apprenticeships to prepare them for successful careers. Graft believes that CTE is the key to transforming public education, offering students a brighter future whether they pursue higher education or enter the workforce directly.
Studies have shown that CTE programs lead to increased student engagement, higher graduation rates, improved employment outcomes, and higher incomes. Butler Tech boasts a graduation rate of 98 percent, well above the national average, with a significant percentage of graduates furthering their education or training after high school.
Despite the proven benefits of CTE, many programs face challenges in expanding due to underfunding and the prevailing mindset in some school districts that prioritize college-preparatory coursework over career training. However, attitudes are shifting as families increasingly recognize the value of CTE in preparing students for successful and fulfilling careers.
This shift reflects a broader trend in education away from traditional college paths, as families question the necessity and cost of a four-year degree. Many students are turning to CTE for practical training in fields like manufacturing and auto repair, leading to stable job opportunities. Even college-bound students are leveraging CTE to explore specialized pathways and make informed decisions about their future education.
One example is Alliyah Newsome, whose experience at Butler Tech confirmed her career aspirations in nursing and directly led to a job at a prestigious hospital after graduation. Newsome’s success story highlights the transformative impact of CTE on students’ lives.
CTE’s Second-Class Status
The participation rate in CTE remains relatively low, with many students missing out on the benefits of dedicated career training programs. Advocates stress the need for increased funding and support for CTE to meet growing demand and provide more opportunities for students across the country.
The idea of sending everyone to college gained popularity in the 1980s in response to the “A Nation at Risk” report, which highlighted the need for higher standards in education. However, the increasing student debt has made pursuing a four-year degree more challenging. Currently, there are 43 million borrowers with over $1.6 trillion in federal student loans, double the amount from a decade ago.
Lawmakers have started emphasizing career education in industries like healthcare and manufacturing, where skilled employees are in high demand. However, federal and state funding for these programs has only seen minimal increases over the years. Most of the funding comes from states, with significant variations in support for career education across different states.
Despite the growing need for career-based education, many districts struggle to expand these programs due to budget constraints and community preferences for traditional college-prep programs. However, schools like Ignite Pathways in Iowa have found innovative ways to provide relevant education by collaborating with local businesses and customizing curricula to meet industry needs.
Ignite Pathways has helped students like Jordan Kerger find their passion and pursue successful careers without the pressure of traditional college paths. Similarly, schools in Oklahoma, such as Francis Tuttle, face high demand for their career programs, with waiting lists growing even after expanding offerings in areas like automotive, medical, and cybersecurity.
Overall, there is a growing recognition of the value of career-based education as a viable alternative to traditional college pathways, offering students a more direct path to fulfilling and successful careers. In the past, college was the go-to plan for 90 percent of students in the area. However, now families are focusing on what their kids want to do after high school and the best way to achieve those goals.
For students interested in college, Francis Tuttle offers programs in engineering, bioscience, and computer science to help them explore their interests. Others choose the school’s advanced manufacturing program, where industry professionals serve as guest lecturers and mentors, often leading to internships and job opportunities post-graduation.
Recent graduates of Francis Tuttle have seen success, with 74 percent continuing to post-secondary education and 22 percent finding employment. Despite these positive outcomes, more funding is needed to expand access to Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, according to Keylon.
CTE schools in Massachusetts and other states have also shown strong results. Studies have demonstrated positive effects on graduation rates and future earnings for students enrolled in CTE programs, emphasizing the value of these educational pathways.
While there are still lackluster CTE programs that give the field a bad reputation, researchers note the importance of offering high-quality courses that build skills and provide work-based learning opportunities. Concerns about CTE students lacking fundamental knowledge in subjects like math and science are also raised, as these skills may be essential for long-term career success.
Despite these challenges, CTE programs have the potential to engage students and provide valuable skills for future careers. By expanding high-quality programs, schools can better meet the needs of learners and prepare them for success in the workforce.
Overall, the evidence suggests that CTE can play a crucial role in reengaging students and providing a much-needed educational fix. Please rewrite this sentence.
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