ACTE Statement on Poll Showing Public’s Overwhelming Support for CTE

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
August 29, 2017

Media Contact: Jarrod Nagurka
jnagurka@acteonline.org; 703-683-9312

ACTE Statement on Poll Showing Public’s Overwhelming Support for CTE

Alexandria, VA – Yesterday, Phi Delta Kappa International released its 49th annual report titled, Poll of the Public’s Attitudes Toward the Public Schools. The wide-ranging survey of education issues was conducted in May 2017 with more than 1,500 people in all 50 states.

Some of the poll’s findings related to career and technical education (CTE) include:

  • 82 percent of respondents believes public high schools should offer job or career skills classes.
  • More than half of respondents said their local schools should offer more CTE classes.
  • 86 percent of respondents believe students should have access to certificate or licensing programs through local schools.
  • 97 percent of respondents believe technology and engineering classes are at least somewhat important to school quality.

“As CTE has evolved over the years to meet the needs of both students and the economy, our community has worked hard to ensure the public is aware of the terrific opportunities available to CTE students,” said ACTE executive director LeAnn Wilson. “It is gratifying to see the public recognize the critical role CTE has to play in both a students’ academic and career success.”

“As Congress continues to work on its Fiscal Year 2018 budget, we encourage appropriators to give careful consideration to the broad public support for CTE found in the poll,” Wilson continued. “To meet the public’s demand and support for high-quality CTE, Congress should commit to restoring cuts to the Perkins CTE basic state grant program that have occurred over the last decade and redouble its efforts to prioritize additional investments in CTE.”

The full report can be found here.

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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.