On the recordSeptember 13, 2016
Career technical education answers the call that we hear from industry and from students alike to train students in fields where high-quality jobs are available. We know that means both equity and quality. Equity, of course, we know because every individual, every man, every woman, people of color, the disabled, all of the groups need to have equal access to a promising education and successful career. The reality is that we can't fix a problem that we can't see. So we have to have the data. We have to have the ability to know what we are looking at. But it is equally important to make sure that CTE programs deliver in terms of quality. So how do we do that? I am excited that this bill places an emphasis on teachers getting opportunities to advance their knowledge and skills. Teachers need support and training from industry leaders so that they can take their knowledge back to students. The flow of relevant information between industry, between teachers and students has to be highlighted and strengthened. When teachers have direct field experience, they are better able to enthusiastically relate accurate and timely industry practices to their students, and that makes for stronger professional development for teachers, and that will trickle down to our students. Successful CTE programs will close the skills gap that undermines our productivity today. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up and pass this overwhelmingly bipartisan legislation.
