Career and Technical Education

"Preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities. "

The mission of Career and Technical Education in Tennessee is "to provide Tennessee students the opportunity to participate in a rigorous and relevant career and technical education program that leads to academic achievement and successful employment in a global economy. (State of Tennessee - CTE Education)"

Career and Technical Education, formerly known as Vocational Education, has evolved rapidly over the past several years. Once considered a basic skills training option for non-college bound students, CTE now encompasses many areas of student education such as integration of academic material with real life work situations, preparing students for post-secondary education using defined Programs of Study, and equipping students with skills to enter high-demand, high-wage jobs in their community.

Career and Technical Education is divided into 7 major program areas.

83% of Dickson County students enrolled in 9th-12th grades are taking a CTE course. While many may still think that CTE is not for college-bound students, the TN Diploma Project defines that being college-ready and career-ready include being equipped with employable skills as well as academic knowledge and that either college-bound or career-bound students should endeavor to be life-long learners. Students in the Class of 2013 and beyond are required to choose a Program of Study under the Diploma Project, one of which is Career and Technical. Career and Technical encourages students from all backgrounds, socio-economics stations, and learning abilities to continuously further their education be it in a 4-year university, 2-year community college/technical school, trade school or certification/on-the-job training. Many of tomorrows nurses, engineers, and small business owners will come from Career and Technical Education programs.

CTE students graduate from high school at higher rate than state average