October 31, 2005

CONTACT: Seth Turner, Senior Director of Public Policy (703) 683-9312;

Alexandria, VA, October 31, 2005 -- The Association for Career and Technical Education released the following statement today with regard to the National Women's Law Center report issued on Oct. 27 that outlines apparent gender bias in career and technical education. With the release of the statement, ACTE Executive Director, Janet B. Bray, reiterated that "ACTE is adamantly opposed to gender bias in career and technical education and firmly believes in ensuring equal opportunity for all students in pursuing their education and career goals."

The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) understands the concerns raised by the National Women's Law Center in its study on gender equity in career and technical education and appreciates the Center's efforts in bringing this critical issue to the forefront. ACTE strongly opposes the tracking or guiding of students based on their gender. The results of the study highlight the need for improvements at all levels of education to ensure that every student has the information and skills they need, without regard to gender and free from bias, to launch successful careers and gain financial security and independence.

Career and technical education plays a positive role in providing opportunities for students to develop the academic and technical skills needed to achieve these goals. While the issue of gender representation in career fields and education programs is a complex one, the study reinforces the need for equal and extensive information, education and training for all students, parents, teachers, guidance counselors and administrators. With an increased focus on addressing these needs, we look to future coordination between federal, state and local education officials and employers, educators, parents and students to address the issues raised by the NWLC.

ACTE is committed to ensuring that all students are equipped with the skills they need to pursue gainful employment and continued learning. We are committed to providing professional development and promoting policies that assist in altering the trends that the NWLC study addresses. Finally, we are committed to actively engaging the education and business communities to work for solutions to these gender issues and, most important, the accessibility of quality education and training and comprehensive information for everyone.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the national professional association for the field of career and technical education. ACTE's membership numbers more than 30,000 teachers, counselors and administrators at the middle school, high school and postsecondary levels.

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