What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

Career and Technical Education (CTE) in Pennsylvania enables students to develop critical skills through a combination of in-school classes and hands-on, community-based learning experiences.

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Community
Based

Learning
Experiences

CTE-in-Pennsylvania

Career and
Technical
Education (CTE)
in Pennsylvania

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Help Students

To Develop Critical
Skills

CTE

What are the Core Components of Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

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Integrated Learning Experiences

A sequence of in-school and community-based hands-on learning experiences designed by the IEP team in collaboration with CTE staff to ensure students develop career-specific knowledge and skills in addition to soft skills and employability skills.

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Credentialing Pathway Development

This sequence includes preparation and completion of vertical and/or horizontal credentialing pathways (full or micro) related to a specific career.

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Equitable Student Participation

Active and equitable participation of students with disabilities in the sequence is supported through career counseling as well as relevant accommodations and supports.

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How Does Career and Technical Education (CTE) Impact Outcomes Related to IEP Transition Goals?

  • CTE concentrators with disabilities are more likely to be employed in the year after graduation than non-CTE peers.
  • CTE programs align with in-demand career pathways, giving students skills that employers value-boosting employability.

Citations

  • Neuman, L., Wagner, M., Knokey, A.-M., Marder, C., Nagle, K., Shaver, D., & Wei, X. (2011).
  • National Technical Assistance Center on Transition (NTACT). (2016)
  • CTE participation is linked to higher rates of enrollment in postsecondary education, especially when students complete a CTE concentration.
  • Many CTE programs offer dual enrollment or articulated credit options, enabling students with disabilities to begin earning college credit during high school.

Citations

  • Dougherty, S. M. (2018).
  • U.S. Department of Education, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education. (2019)
  • Participation in CTE promotes real-world problem solving, collaboration, and decision-making-skills linked to independent living outcomes.
  • Some CTE pathways (e.g., Family and Consumer Sciences, Business Education) include curricula on budgeting, banking, and managing daily responsibilities.

Citations

  • Test, D. W., Fowler, C. H., & Kohler, P. D. (2013)
  • Mazzotti, V. L., Rowe, D. A., et al. (2021)
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Training Today for the Jobs We Need Tomorrow

Career and Technical Education (CTE) combines classroom instruction with real-world learning to help students build essential career and life skills. Through hands-on experiences and credential pathways, students, especially those with disabilities, gain employability, independence, and access to postsecondary opportunities.

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Who are the Key Partners in Career and Technical Education (CTE)?

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  • Central decision-maker whose interests, preferences, and goals should guide the planning.
  • Shares input on CTE areas of interest and desired career path.

  • Provide insight into long-term goals, transportation logistics, and supports needed for CTE success.
  • Support advocacy and ensure family values and expectations are incorporated.

  • Coordinates IEP development and ensures that goals and supports align with the student's participation in CTE.
  • Facilitates accommodations, modifications, and progress monitoring.

  • Shares course content expectations, industry certification opportunities, and workplace-readiness skills taught.
  • Advises on student performance and needed supports in the CTE environment.

  • Offers input on career assessments, graduation pathways, dual enrollment options, and high school course planning.
  • May coordinate with outside agencies or training programs.

  • Identifies opportunities for internships, co-ops, or job-shadowing related to CTE.
  • Helps embed career experiences aligned with the IEP transition goals.

  • Ensures that decisions made at the IEP meeting are consistent with available school programs and resources.
  • Authorizes services and supports related to CTE.

  • Helps with placement decisions and ensures access to appropriate supports within CTE programs.
  • Ensures alignment with state or district CTE policies and practices.

  • Supports pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS), planning for job training, and potential funding for tools or training programs.
  • Ensures continuity of services post-graduation.

  • Provide direct input on workplace expectations and feedback on student performance in real-world settings.

Helpful Tools and Learning Resources

PAES Information

Website

PAES Information
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Lesson Plan

Job Shadowing & Informational Interviewing in Integrated Work Environments

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Lesson Plan

Soft Skills & Executive Functioning Skills Training

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Lesson Plan

Self-Advocacy & Workplace Readiness Skills Training

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