Defining CTE

According to asvabprogram.com, “Career and Technical Education (CTE) bridges

the gap between high school and postsecondary plans. CTE programs include career

skills training that helps students become ready for college or work.” The textbook also

defines CTE as an “organized educational [program] offering… courses directly related

to the preparation of individuals in paid or unpaid employment and in current or

emerging occupations requiring other than a baccalaureate or advanced degree”

(Gordon & Schultz 2020, pg. 433).

John Dewey was a philosopher in the early 20th century. He saw CTE as a

means of liberalizing education. Dewey felt that “vocational education could, according

to him, be the means to induce changes that would improve education” (Gordon &

Schultz 2020, pg. 39). He also felt that studies such as shop work, cooking, sewing,

textiles, and gardening “would best prepare students to understand the science of tools

and processes used in work” (Gordon & Schultz 2020, pg. 39).

People weren’t the only influence on CTE in our history. The First Morrill Act of

1862 was the first land-grant bill that was passed in the United States. It promoted

liberal and practical education of the industrial classes. The Second Morrill Act of 1890

provided educational opportunities for African American students and for agriculture and

the mechanical arts to be taught as well. In my opinion, CTE is a means whereby

students of all backgrounds can gain an education to prepare them for honest jobs and

wages. It is an opportunity for people to pursue dreams and find passions.

Work Cited:

- https://www.asvabprogram.com

- D., G. H. R., & Schultz, D. D. (2020). The History and Growth of Career and

Technical Education in America (p. 433). essay, Waveland Press, Inc.