High-quality CTE Tools

To bring clarity to the burgeoning conversation around high-quality CTE and help CTE educators and administrators develop and improve the quality of their CTE programs of study, ACTE has created an evidence-based framework defining high-quality CTE across 12 elements: The ACTE Quality CTE Program of Study Framework (2018 version) and a companion program self-evaluation instrument.

The program self-evaluation can be completed in print or online. If filled out online, users can receive automatically calculated scores, save and print their results, and be connected to resources for areas identified as needing improvement.

Learn more about the process to develop the framework and, if you have questions or suggestions, please contact ACTE Research Manager Catherine Imperatore.

Quality CTE Program of Study Framework and Self-evaluation

High-quality CTE Tools Library

The following online library is one of the resources that ACTE has developed to recognize and disseminate high-quality CTE practices. Follow the links below for strategies, case studies, professional development models and toolkits to help practitioners develop and support success within each element. Additionally, ACTE is incorporating the quality framework into its efforts to recognize and disseminate CTE best practices through the ACTE awards program and CareerTech VISION programming.

12 Elements of a High-quality CTE Program of Study

Standards-aligned and
Integrated Curriculum

Sequencing and Articulation

Student Assessment

Prepared and Effective
Program Staff

Engaging Instruction

Access and Equity

Facilities, Equipment, Technology and Materials

Business and Community Partnerships

Student Career
Development

Career and Technical
Student Organizations

Work-based Learning

Data and Program Improvement

High-quality CTE Publications

High-quality CTE Micro Webinars

  • High Quality CTE Programs of Study — Business and Community Partnerships
    Join Donna Gilley, director of career and technical education in Nashville, Tennessee, as she discusses business and community partnership structures, how to ensure CTE programs align with the workforce and different ways businesses and communities can partner with CTE programs. Watch online seminar.
  • High-Quality CTE Programs of Study — Career and Technical Student Organizations
    Join Deonna Anderson, an engineering teacher at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, Missouri, as she discusses the value of career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) in every CTE program. Watch online seminar
  • High-Quality CTE Programs of Study — Student Career Development
    Career development for all students must connect student personal goals to learning in all courses and experiences outside the classroom. Join Robin Kroyer-Kubicek, Career Pathways Education Consultant in Wisconsin, as she discusses student career development. Watch online seminar. Generously sponsored by Xello.