Industry partnerships lead state policy trends in ACTE and Advance CTE’s Tenth Annual Year in Review Report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 9, 2023
Media Contacts:
Stacy Whitehouse
Jori Houck
Industry partnerships lead state policy trends in ACTE and Advance CTE’s Tenth Annual Year in Review Report
ALEXANDRIA, VA— In 2022, policies impacting Career and Technical Education (CTE) remained a priority in states, with industry partnerships and work-based learning policies leading the way to ensure responsiveness to industry and building of sustainable workforce pipelines in high-skills, high-wage and high-demand fields. Today, Advance CTE and the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) released their tenth annual report, State Policies Impacting CTE: 2022 Year in Review.
The Year in Review highlights major trends in CTE and career readiness policymaking, and includes a companion online state policy tracker that tracks and analyzes legislative, budget and executive actions by state and content area. Overall, 2022 saw 36 states enact 123 policy actions across five main policy categories: industry partnerships and work-based learning; data, reporting and/or accountability; industry-recognized credentials; and access and equity. Last year’s total continues a return to decade averages after a significant drop to 67 policies in 2020.
2022 caps a decade of reviews by the two organizations on key state policy trends impacting CTE and career readiness. During this time, at least 1,470 policies connected to CTE have been enacted across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Equity and access-focused policies have become increasingly prevalent, ranking as a top five policy trend since 2019.
“State CTE leaders are advancing and leveraging state-level policy to lead innovation, advance equity, align systems and improve program quality. This year’s Year in Review report reflects a decade of increased awareness of the power and promise of CTE,” stated Advance CTE Executive Director Kimberly Green. “State governments are increasingly positioning CTE as a go-to solution that is responsive to the needs of both industry and the workforce. We look forward to our continued partnership with ACTE to guide policymakers in fully supporting CTE.”
“Each year, CTE programs continue to demonstrate that they will adapt skillfully to a changing world to provide career exploration opportunities and prepare the workforce needed to fill in-demand, high-skill and high-wage careers,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Curry. “This year’s report reminds us of the core values of high-quality CTE. We are pleased to note that industry partnerships and work-based learning were top priorities for states – these initiatives result in strong outcomes for learners,” said ACTE Executive Director LeAnn Wilson. “We are pleased to release our annual review of these policies with Advance CTE, and we look forward to another strong year for CTE.”
Advance CTE and ACTE will hold an accompanying webinar with selected state leaders to review key findings from the report on Tuesday, February 16 from 3-4 p.m ET.
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Advance CTE is the longest-standing national non-profit that represents State Directors and state leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary and adult Career Technical Education (CTE) across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Established in 1920, Advance CTE supports state CTE leadership to advance high-quality and equitable CTE policies, programs and pathways that ensure career and college success without limits for each learner.
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.