Conclusion
In California CTE is a relevant, important educational route to success.
Research shows that rigorous CTE course work combined with challenging
academic classes leads to students being better prepared for success, both in the
world of work and in postsecondary education and training, than were many of
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their peers having only academic preparation. When schools provide serious
preparation in both CTE and academic skills, the CDE’s definition of CTE as
“a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates
core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide
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students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers” is fulfilled.
California now faces a twofold call to action: (1) to ensure that every CTE
class and program meets the State Board of Education’s rigorous new standards
for high-quality, integrated CTE course work; and (2) to inform the public and
the stakeholders in middle schools, high schools, postsecondary education and
training, and business and industry that CTE presents an educationally and eco-
nomically sound choice for all students.