Career and Technical Education at a Crossroads: A Review of Sociopolitical Issues and Impact in the Field

In its evolution from vocational education to career and technical education (CTE), the field has been revisited at some critical crossroads. In recent years, the growing political and social turmoil is poised to change public education and may present another important crossroad for CTE. Although the passing of Perkins V received wide bipartisan political support for CTE, the legislative mandate to ensure the success of all students including historically underserved youth should be tested in the context of greater state and local control for implementation. Thus, the purpose of this article is to highlight the potential impact of social and political trends on the role and direction of CTE as a viable option for all students to become college and career ready in the new economy. The underlying analysis and perspectives are based on the role of legislation mandates, relevant literature, social and political trends and issues, and implications for CTE amid the growing sociopolitical polarization in the country.