AFT Resolution

SUPPORT CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN K-14

WHEREAS, career technical education provides all students with a rigorous academic curriculum that integrates academic and career skills, incorporates applied learning in all disciplines, and prepares all pupils for high school graduation and career entry; and

WHEREAS, over the last 20 years, we have witnessed a sharp drop estimated by many education professionals in Career Technical Education (CTE) of between 79 percent and 90 percent in the number of career technical education classes offered in the K-12 system and in community colleges; and

WHEREAS, in today’s global economy, a workforce with both academic and vocational skills will be required to compete successfully in a world market; and

WHEREAS, CTE allows students to explore career options and develop the skills they will need both in school and in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, in addition to vocational skills, modern CTE classes teach students core academic concepts such as algebra and English language arts in a relevant setting that provides motivation to learn; and

WHEREAS, CTE’s combination of classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory activity and on-the-job training meets students’ differing learning needs and styles so that they may succeed; and

WHEREAS, CTE prepares individuals for the bulk of America’s jobs and, historically, 75 percent of our K-12 students will not complete a four-year college degree; and

WHEREAS, CTE can engage all students in an authentic learning environment resulting in their mastery of career and academic knowledge necessary to become productive, contributing members of society; and

WHEREAS, modern CTE programs are particularly well suited for inclusion of students with special needs; and

WHEREAS, new state standards and frameworks have been approved for CTE that support increased connection between academics and career technical education, and many colleges have discontinued CTE teacher training programs:

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers support initiatives designed to provide increased funding for new and existing career technical education programs, and increased recruitment, retention and credentialing of qualified career education instructors with experience in their fields; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers support requirements that encourage students to access age-appropriate technical education and counseling systems that recognize the value of both safe work practices and career technical education for all students.

(2009)