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What They’re Saying: Strengthening CTE Is a Win for Students and Communities

From technological advances to the expansion of the economy, today’s job market is significantly different from the one even just a few years ago. To help America’s students and workers gain the skills and knowledge they need to fill these in-demand, high-skilled jobs, Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353).

From technological advances to the expansion of the economy, today’s job market is significantly different from the one even just a few years ago. To help America’s students and workers gain the skills and knowledge they need to fill these in-demand, high-skilled jobs, Reps. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353). This bipartisan legislation, which the committee unanimously passed, includes a number of positive reforms to strengthen career and technical education programs (CTE) and help more Americans succeed in the workforce. But you don’t have to take our word for it: 
  • The most valuable part of America’s infrastructure is its skilled workforce. In many instances, students are pushed down the college-for-all pathway without the opportunity to choose a CTE program. If passed, [Associated Builders and Contractors] believes that the “Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act” will take vital steps toward opening up opportunities for students and giving them a competitive advantage in finding fulfilling and high paying careers in the construction industry.Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.  

  • By enacting H.R. 2353 and reinforcing CTE programs, educators and their partners in the business community can improve student outcomes and provide the skills required to be successful in the workforce (or continuing education). H.R. 2353 focuses on areas where improvements can be made to current law, building upon past successes and enhancing aspects of the long-overdue-for-reauthorization Carl D. Perkins Act to better serve both workers and employers.Associated Equipment Distributors 
           
  • Autism Speaks supports the passage of H.R. 2353, the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, because we believe the legislation will help students with autism achieve positive employment outcomes after school.Autism Speaks 
          
  • We are pleased that H.R. 2353 recognizes that state and local educators are best situated to develop and implement effective education strategies to promote career readiness. By promoting flexibility in state and local uses of funds and streamlining the application process for receiving federal funding, the legislation will allow state and local leaders to align federal, state, and local workforce programs to deliver world-class career educational opportunities for students.Council of Chief State School Officers 
         
  • By facilitating greater cooperation between educational institutions and industry partners, H.R. 2353 will improve employer engagement in the design and delivery of work-based learning systems within their communities. The alignment of our educational approach with the reality of our current local, regional, and state workforce needs will not only drive regional growth, but also reinvigorate the economy at the national level.Information Technology Industry Council 
        
  • We appreciate that the bill addresses the need for CTE instructors to receive appropriate training in pedagogical practices, including professional development geared to serving under-represented students — specifically, English-language learners and students with special needs. National Education Association


To learn more about this bipartisan legislation to help more Americans find their pathway to success, click here.


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