| Career and technical education (CTE) has been at the forefront of engagement, change, motivation, and high school reform since the early 20th century. However, the focus on tracking students into 4-year universities has significantly reduced the number of quality CTE programs that exist within the high school setting. With the release of the new blueprint to transform CTE by the U.S. Department of Education in 2012 focused on alignment, collaboration, accountability and innovation, renewed focus on CTE is eminent. Additionally, to compete in the global marketplace, President Obama set national goals that challenge Americans to train in high-skill, high-wage technical careers. In this quantitative chi-square trend study on enrollment in Florida high schools in relation to graduation rates and students earning industry certifications, a correlation was found between high graduation rates and earned industry certifications, particularly with students enrolled in Career and Professional Education (CAPE) Academies. Furthermore, 15 school districts of varying size from across the state of Florida were reviewed and showed significant increases in industry certification offerings from 2009--2013. Students need credentials to enter the workforce with greater marketable and employable skills, primarily because employers seeking entry-level employees in technical skill areas prefer certifications. However, certifications do not eliminate the need to attend college or universities as only with a degree can an employee advance past entry-level positions into management or decision making roles. |
