Over the last twenty years, Ohio has transformed its vocational schools of yesteryear—saddled with limited programs, narrowly focused tracks, and low expectations—into a constellation of nearly three hundred career and technical education (CTE) locations that embed rigorous academics within a curriculum defined by real-world experience. (For more on Ohio’s CTE programs, see here.) According to a new report from Achieve, these transformations have put the Buckeye State on the cutting edge in CTE.
What sets Ohio apart from other states offering CTE is its commitment to high expectations. This principle was perfectly encapsulated in 2006, when the legislature was debating whether career-technical planning districts (which handle the administrative duties of CTE programs) should be held to the same standards as traditional schools. Many CTE leaders were determined that their students should be held to the same rigorous expectations as other students. Fast forward to the 2014 mid-biennial review legislation, and their determination finally became reality: Ohio now has three pathways to graduation, one of which is designed for CTE students. This pathway requires that any CTE graduate must earn “a state-approved, industry-recognized credential or a state license for practice in a vocation and achieve a score that demonstrates workforce readiness and employability on a job skills assessment.” In addition to high school graduation requirements, most CTE students also earn college credit while still in high school through dual enrollment, AP classes, and “articulate credits” (completing a specific course and earning a certification). This has led to thousands of dollars in college cost savings and opened the door to millions of dollars in scholarships.
In order to ensure accountability, the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) started assigning report cards to career-technical planning districts back in 2012. They report student achievement (based on CTE-aligned assessments), graduation rates, student preparation (based on dual enrollment, AP, and honors diploma numbers), and post-program outcomes. (You can check out the report cards here).
Achieve also incorporated student spotlights and close-up looks at three CTE locations: Auburn Career Center, Centerville High School, and Excel TECC. These close-ups include looks at the diverse programs and pathways available to students, student outcomes, and quotes from business leaders who are quick to point out that CTE programs are just as beneficial for local businesses as they are for students and schools. The authors also explain how Ohio successfully empowers its CTE teachers to partner with businesses and implement innovative ideas.
Overall, the state’s CTE future looks bright—especially given Governor Kasich’s strong support. Keep doing what you’re doing, Ohio.
SOURCE: “Seizing the Future: How Ohio’s Career and Technical Education Programs Fuse Academic Rigor and Real-World Experiences to Prepare Students for College and Work,” Achieve (June 2015).
