The framework serves as a comprehensive, research-based tool for evaluating and improving CTE programs across secondary and postsecondary education, with the goal of ensuring programs are aligned with industry needs, provide equitable access, and support student success

 Essential Elements of High-Quality CTE
Standards-aligned and Integrated Curriculum
Curriculum is built on industry-validated standards, integrates core academic subjects, employability skills, and is regularly reviewed with employer and stakeholder input.
Sequencing and Articulation
Programs offer a clear, non-duplicative sequence from broad foundational knowledge to specialized skills, with pathways to recognized postsecondary credentials and strong secondary-postsecondary collaboration.
Student Assessment
Use of formative and summative assessments aligned with program standards, measuring technical, academic, and employability skills, and supporting attainment of recognized credentials.
Prepared and Effective Program Staff
CTE educators are properly licensed, maintain up-to-date industry and pedagogical skills, undertake ongoing professional development, and collaborate for continuous program improvement.
Engaging Instruction
Student-centered and experiential learning approaches like project-based learning are used, with instruction tailored to diverse learners and real-world applications.
Access and Equity
Programs are promoted broadly, recruit underrepresented groups, offer unbiased guidance, make accommodations, and provide supportive services to ensure all students can succeed.
Facilities, Equipment, Technology, and Materials
Physical and material resources reflect current industry practices, support curriculum, are safe and accessible, and are regularly updated and maintained.
Business and Community Partnerships
Strong ties with diverse employers and stakeholders inform curriculum, provide learning experiences, support students and teachers, and advance program sustainability.
Student Career Development
Students receive comprehensive career guidance, personalized education and career planning, and access to information on further education, employment, and labor market trends.
Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs)
CTSO activities are integral, develop relevant skills, provide opportunities for competitive events, community service, leadership, and are supervised by program staff.
Work-based Learning
Every student has access to a continuum of authentic work-based experiences aligned with standards and personal goals, supervised and evaluated for meaningful engagement.
Data and Program Improvement
Data collection, analysis, and reporting are systematic and transparent, informing continuous program evaluation, addressing equity gaps, and sharing results with all stakeholders.
These elements provide a well-rounded framework for building, evaluating, and continuously improving high-quality CTE programs of study.