IMPROVEMENT AND EXPANSION OF CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, the nation is undergoing a profound workforce transformation due to rapid technological changes and growing financial demands in the global economy that require a highly skilled workforce in order for industries to maintain a competitive edge; and

WHEREAS, the growing demand for high-skill jobs has led to a significant need to upgrade the skills of the American workforce even as employment has declined; and

WHEREAS, quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs across the nation provide more than 1 million students and adults in school systems such as New York City with technical and academic skills that make them more employable and more suited for higher education opportunities and direct entry into the workforce; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs allow students to explore otherwise unknown career options and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, CTE programs can improve student achievement through the integration of academic technical curricula that serves to enhance the rigor of the curriculum and its relevance to students' lives; and

WHEREAS, traditional CTE schools are uniquely designed to provide students with rigorous programs of study in key fields that cannot be easily replicated; and

WHEREAS, many CTE schools and programs lack the resources and supports for equipment, curriculum development, internships, externships and professional development needed to keep pace with an ever-changing technological world due to a lack of federal, state and local funding:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers recognize the profound transformation of our workforce and encourage the expansion of CTE programs in school systems throughout the United States; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT encourage state and local affiliates to facilitate the coordination of CTE programs with industry and higher education partners, local labor unions and other CTE associations to provide educators with suitable curricula, professional development and resources in order to give students viable skills and more real life experience.