Concerns related to CTE

AREAS OF CONCERN : CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

1.	A significant number of students see no relevance between their high school curriculum and their future career and educational decisions. I believe this should be emphasized since it is a major cause for school disruption and school dropouts.
2.	Many students end up with no meaningful qualification beyond their general high school diploma.  The large drop in vocational programs over the past 30 years has only led to a small increase in the proportion of college prep or academic programs. Instead, many young people turn to the least demanding program and for many of these there are no "meaningful" educational alternatives after high school.
3.	Rapidly changing technology and the lack of adequate industrial technology education in our schools has resulted in a shortage of skilled workers to fill crucial jobs in California business and industry. We must (emphasis mine) provide specific and appropriate preparation for students who choose to enter the workforce immediately after high school graduation as well as for those who continue their formal education.
4.	We as "vocational" educators no longer have a presence in most districts in this state and what we do have is often discounted as "hangers-on" of an era gone by.
5.	 With the Vocational Education infrastructure of so many districts having been removed years ago, it is important that (with the help and influence of our industry partners) sway public perception and  start re-establishing better and more relevant experiences. We need to have a technologically sound plan in place, which will provide appropriate instruction and qualified instructors who understand and are responsive to current industry skills and standards. 
6.	According to a recent national study, there were more than 5 qualified vocational education instructors for every 100 teachers in 1966. Today, there are less than .5% of the total credentialed secondary instructors teaching in industrial or technical education. The teacher shortage is magnified by the demand for technical workers.  For example, who will teach any basic courses covering emerging technologies (newly developed and developing technologies that have the potential to affect students' lives and careers)?????? Unfortunately, the opportunity for California's students to benefit from this kind of education has been steadily diminishing as vocational and technical programs across the state have been severely reduced and eliminated over the last two decades. Today, fewer than 30% of the programs that were active in 1978 still exist.
7.	It is very difficult to assess the post Proposition 13 damage to industrial and technology education. It is hopeful to hear many legislators talking recently about the 70% of our students who are not "trained" in our university system. I hope our conversations and input will bring some clarity and positive new directions to the current wave of reform.