Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education Chairman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) addressed the importance of career and technical education (CTE) during a hearing titled “From Classroom to Career: Strengthening Skills Pathways Through CTE.” In his prepared statement, Kiley discussed the shift from the traditional view that college is the only path to success for students.
Kiley stated, "The notion that every student should go to college was perhaps well-intended. But it was never compatible with the needs of young people or of our country." He emphasized that while college remains an option, alternative pathways such as CTE are gaining renewed support.
He noted that CTE has often been undervalued in recent decades but now plays a critical role in preparing students for a skills-based economy. "CTE is for students who want to build, create, and lead. It is for students who learn best by doing," Kiley said.
According to Kiley, more than 8 million secondary school students nationwide participate in CTE programs where they acquire practical skills such as designing, welding, coding, and providing care. These experiences help them secure stable employment after graduation.
Kiley highlighted outcomes associated with CTE participation: "Students who concentrate in CTE, completing more than two credits, graduate at rates above 90 percent, significantly higher than the national average. CTE participation also boosts academic achievement, and even promotes college readiness itself."
He pointed out that over 40 states allow dual enrollment in technical or community colleges through which high school students can earn college credits. This can result in associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, or industry-recognized credentials. According to Kiley, "Eighty-five percent of recent high school graduates took at least one CTE course."
Kiley described CTE classrooms as being filled with future professionals across various fields and asserted that these programs offer a viable pathway to success beyond high school. He stressed the importance of aligning educational programs with labor market demands due to ongoing challenges faced by employers seeking skilled workers.
"In a dynamically changing economy, we must reimagine student programs to meet the demands of today’s and tomorrow’s labor market. And that is what CTE is all about: by design, it equips students with skills that match real job opportunities, providing pathways to immediate employment," he said.
Kiley concluded by expressing interest in learning from witnesses who have developed successful CTE programs and discussing ways to expand such initiatives across schools nationwide.
