Perceptions of Career & Technical Education: Findings & Action from the 2019 DESE CTE Survey Dr. Robert Russell Dr. Mark C. White October 21, 2019
Agenda • About the survey and its respondents • Student responses • Responses from parents, educators and businesses • Key findings and conclusions
About the survey and its respondents
About the survey • The survey was conducted at the behest of the Statewide CTE Advisory Council. • Intended to inform a communication and marketing campaign, the success of which is dependent on: • “…a clear understanding of audience members’ pre- existing opinions — be they rightly or wrongly held.” • We must understand what people believe before we can change minds. Changing Perceptions: Findings and Recommendations from the Missouri Career and Technical Education Advisory Council’s Marketing Taskforce
The survey received 9,654 total responses, of which almost 70 percent were from adults Survey Respondents by Type Total 9,654 Non-students 6,735 Educators 4,003 Parents & 1,639 Guardians Other 602 Business Leaders 445 Students 2,919 0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 Number of Respondents
The survey generated responses from every county in Missouri • Among 6,735 adult responses • Metro: 52.5% • Non-metro: 37.4% • St. Louis (MO) MSA: 16.4% • Kansas City (MO) MSA: 13.0% • Out of State: 1.1% • Blank: 9.1%
Adult respondents do not have a negative perception of CTE, but they perceive that one exists. Adult Respondents that Agree with Statement CTE can be a pathway into 96.5% college for some students CTE-related professions pay less than fields requiring a 4-year 16.6% degree The name 'CTE Education' has a 36.6% negative connotation CTE is just as important as 91.4% subjects such as Math, English, Science & Social Studies CTE tends to focus on students 56.8% who probably won't go to college Students in CTE programs are as 47.2% respected as those who take more traditional classes 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Adult Respondents
In addition to positively perceiving CTE, adults also agreed on the importance of practical knowledge and work-based learning opportunities. • More than two-thirds of respondents strongly agree that classes should apply lessons to real world situations. • Over 90 percent of respondents agreed that courses should include content about careers. • Almost all respondents agreed that CTE classes should provide work- based learning experiences. • While perceptions of CTE are positive overall, perceptions were highest among respondents from non-metro counties. • Differences emerge, however, between Adul dults and Student nt respondents.
Student responses
Assumptions about negative perceptions of CTE are more commonly held by adults CTE students are as respected as those who take more traditional classes 100% 90% Students Adults 80% 70% Percent of Respondents 60% 60.7% 50% 47.2% 46.3% 40% 30% 20% 21.3% 16.3% 10% 5.3% 1.6% 1.1% 0% Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank
Assumptions about negative perceptions of CTE are more commonly held by adults The name 'CTE Education' has a negative connotation 100% 90% Students Adults 80% 70% Percent of Respondents 60% 59.8% 57.4% 50% 40% 36.6% 30% 24.2% 20% 14.2% 10% 4.8% 1.8% 1.3% 0% Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank
Students appear less aware of the earning opportunities in CTE-related careers CTE-related professions pay less than fields requiring a 4-year degree 100% 90% Students Adults 80% 76.3% 70% Percent of Respondents 60% 50% 40% 36.0% 30% 31.6% 28.4% 20% 16.6% 10% 4.0% 1.5% 5.7% 0% Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank
This lack of awareness may explain why many students prioritize college prep efforts The most important thing schools should do is to teach courses that meet college entrance requirements 100% 90% Students Adults 80% 70% 72.0% Percent of Respondents 60% 50% 50.3% 47.3% 40% 30% 20% 18.3% 10% 2.2% 7.5% 1.1% 1.4% 0% Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank
A sizable minority of students lacked awareness of CTE education and opportunities Student-specific responses Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank Many community & technical 32.5% colleges agree to transfer CTE credits I have an opportunity to earn credit toward an Industry- 27.6% Recognized Credential (IRC) CTE courses are easy 26.2% CTE classes stress academic achievement as much as they do 21.6% technical skills Students enrolled in CTE programs tend to be well 21.4% prepared academically CTE classes engage students & 20.7% get them excited about learning 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Respondents
CTE students have a much clearer understanding of CTE courses & opportunities, and this gap is due more to a lack of awareness, than a negative perception CTE- and Non-CTE Student Responding 'Do Not Know' CTE Students Non-CTE Students 8.0% CTE courses are easy 43.6% 30.1% Many comm. & tech. colleges agree to transfer CTE credits 43.1% I have an opportunity to earn 23.3% credit toward an Industry- 37.8% Recognized Credential (IRC) CTE classes stress academic 8.0% achievement as much as they do 35.2% technical skills 6.3% CTE classes engage students and get them excited about learning 34.4% 8.1% My teachers are knowledgeable about CTE pathways 31.9% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% Student Respondents
Parents, educators, and business leaders
Many parents lack knowledge about CTE-related credentials, programs & opportunities Parent-specific responses Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank Many community & technical colleges agree to transfer CTE 52.5% credits My child has an opportunity to earn an Industry-Recognized 40.3% Credential (IRC) HS students who enroll in a college CTE courses are eligible 34.5% for dual credit opportunities Our local school provides work- based learning opportunities 32.5% (e.g., apprent., interns.) I am satisfied with the CTE 31.2% offerings at my child's school CTE classes stress academic achievement as much as they do 27.3% technical skills 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Respondents
Educators, particularly administrators & counselors, have a positive perception of CTE Educators that Agree with Statement Admin/Counselors Teachers CTE classes teach students 94.7% transferable skills that will serve 89.5% them well in this economy 94.4% CTE classes engage students & get them excited about learning 88.7% CTE classes teach students the 92.6% basic skills necessary for 87.3% employment Earning an IRC or doing an 84.8% apprenticeship program prepares 75.9% workers as well as a 4-year degree CTE classes stress academic 82.3% achievement as much as they do 73.1% technical skills. Students who take CTE classes are 76.3% better prepared for employment 70.0% than those who do not 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Educator Respondents
Almost 90% of educators agree that CTE exposure should begin before HS, but many K-8 teachers lack CTE knowledge. Educators that responded 'Do Not Know' 28.8% I am aware of the individual career and academic plan (ICAP). 14.8% 25.8% I am aware of the CTE certificate. 10.5% 25.1% CTE classes stress academic achievement as much as they do technical skills. 10.8% 25.1% Our local school provides work- based learning opportunities (e.g., apprent., interns.) 7.7% K-8 Teachers 22.4% Earning an IRC or doing an apprenticeship program prepares HS+ Teachers workers as well as a 4-year degree 13.3% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% Percent Educator Respondents
Business leaders are often aware of, and value, CTE certifications and credentials Business-specific responses Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank A CTE certificate would give added value or preference to 84.5% potential employees An IRC or app. program can equally prepare someone for 76.0% work as a 4-yr. Degree Employers are seeking qualified 69.4% workers with IRCs I am aware of the CTE certificate 61.1% Students with an IRC have a greater opportunity for 60.0% employment in my business I am aware of the individual 42.2% career and academic plan (ICAP) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Respondents
Business leaders see a role for industry participation, but that does not always lead to action Business-specific responses Agree Disagree Do Not Know Blank Local employers should partner with schools to provide students 93.0% with real world education & training experiences Local employers should be involved in the development of 91.5% our school's CTE courses My company currently has a working relationship with a CTE 50.3% area career center or CTE program My company offers students in Grades 7-12 internships & work- 39.3% based learning opportunities My company currently does not work with a local CTE area 32.1% career center or CTE program, but like to in the future 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Percent Respondents
Key findings and conclusions
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