As someone with 15 years of experience in education outside of CTE, the past two years have been a deep dive into catching up with CTE terminology, quantitative data, and the unique goals of these programs. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is how critical it is to align data—both quantitative and qualitative—with program goals to drive continuous improvement in CTE, this is common regardless of the school setting.
Quantitative data, like industry certification rates, enrollment trends, and completion metrics, provides a clear snapshot of program success. However, I’ve found that qualitative data, particularly student voice, is equally powerful. By using tools such as self-constructed surveys or reflection forms, I will able to uncover insights about how students perceive their learning experiences, career readiness, and personal growth. This data adds depth to the numbers, helping us identify areas where programs are succeeding or where they need to adapt.
