A Statewide Framework for Career and Technical Education

Career and technical education (CTE) can be a powerful tool for preparing students for college and career success. High-quality CTE programs deliver rigorous academic and technical coursework with industry-validated standards sequenced across high school and postsecondary education. After completing the program, students can earn a certificate, credential, or degree.

The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) and Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) want to make sure all students in Oregon have access to effective instruction. Accordingly, all districts and community colleges must secure state approval for their CTE programming to qualify for federal and state funding.

To support districts and colleges in building strong CTE programs, ODE and HECC asked Education Northwest to develop new resources that would guide educators through the program approval process.

How We Helped Our Partners in Oregon

• Collaborated with employer advisory groups, including representatives of professional associations and apprenticeship, to identify the skills desired of entry-level workers
• Conducted a statewide survey of employers to validate identified technical skills
• Partnered with educator advisory groups to identify the employability, cluster, and occupational skills that comprise a CTE program of study
• Developed resources to support educators in designing CTE programs of study and applying for program approval

Building More Consistent, Equitable CTE

Through the new resources, CTE instructors across Oregon have access to comprehensive, standardized, and industry-specific guidance for their programs. This improves the consistency of CTE programs of study statewide, in turn giving students everywhere better access to high-quality, relevant content that will help them build skills for future career and academic success. Our inclusive process fostered trust and buy-in from employers and educators across Oregon, laying a foundation for future collaborations around CTE.

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