Walt Ecton speaks with EdWeek about what makes for a strong career technical education program
With a growing demand for CTE pathways, Ecton discusses traits of successful programs and the institutional considerations that make them so.
EdWeek reports that the return on investment of a college education is increasingly in question by students and parents. As a result, educators are fielding more requests for schools to offer career and technical education (CTE) pathways. CSHPE Assistant Professor Walt Ecton, who researches CTE, shares insights on the long-term benefits of CTE and the critical components that distinguish successful programs.
Ecton tells EdWeek that the most beneficial CTE programs have a clear pathway for students to follow after completing their high school CTE program; “marry” technical skills with academic skills; have relationships with local employers; and pay attention to economic trends.
“CTE when done well has a lot to recommend itself in terms of just the learning style. It’s more problem-solving-based. It’s more hands-on. There’s more of a connection to the real world,” says Ecton.
He also notes CTE’s educational benefits beyond students’ future employment opportunities. “One of the most compelling pieces of evidence that I’ve seen in favor of CTE is that CTE students tend to be less likely to be chronically absent. In my mind, that’s a pretty good indicator of students who are more engaged.”
