Supporting The Goals And Ideals Of Career And Technical Education Month

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, the key to America's continued success lies in improving our Nation's educational system. Career and technical education, CTE, programs are a critical component to every student's education, creating diverse pathways into further education and careers. Today, these programs serve 94 percent of all high school students and 12 million postsecondary students. In both rural and urban communities, CTE plays a vital role in building student engagement, continuing our Nation's economic competitiveness, and building the skills of our workforce to meet and adapt to the needs of the 21st century.

Further, approximately 30 percent of jobs by 2018 will require some college or a 2-year associates degree, a need that can be met by improved access to CTE programs. By increasing these opportunities to obtain postsecondary skills training and meaningful credentials, CTE equitably distributes economic opportunity to all students who are willing to work for it. According to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Career, Technical and Adult Education, the average high school graduation rate for students concentrating in CTE programs is 93 percent, compared with the national average of 80 percent.

This is why today, with my Senate CTE Caucus cochairs Senator PORTMAN, Senator BALDWIN, and Senator ISAKSON and other colleagues in the Senate, I am submitting a bipartisan resolution to designate February as Career and Technical Education, CTE, Month. CTE Month provides a chance for students and educators alike to learn more about the educational opportunities available in their communities, and to become more engaged in their studies today so they can plan for their future.

Our Nation's economic competitiveness relies on the skill of the American workforce and its ability to meet and adapt to the 21st century economy. By formally recognizing CTE Month through this resolution, it is our hope that we can build support in Washington and across the country for strengthening access to and expanding CTE programs.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source