CEHD News

The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) researchers, partners, members of the Center’s advisory panel and representatives of related national organizations recently met with officials from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), to discuss current issues and trends in Career and Technical Education (CTE) research.

The NRCCTE director, Jim Stone, opened the seminar with OVAE in May in Alexandria, VA. He presented an overview of the Center’s full research portfolio and national impact in the areas of research, dissemination, professional development, and technical assistance to states.

The Center’s broad agenda promotes the successful engagement, achievement, and transition of CTE students. And it supports them in acquiring challenging academic and technical skills and preparing for high-skill, high-wage, or high-demand jobs. This mission has expanded to respond to the nation’s rapidly changing economic situation and the emerging needs of industry, particularly “green” technology and jobs, which is the subject of of the Center’s upcoming Technical Assistance Academy.

Dale King, Director of Policy, Research, and Evaluation for OVAE, introduced Glenn Cummings (pictured right), the newly appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for OVAE, for his address to the group. Cummings  spoke about some of the challenges they are facing in this changing economy and then met indivdually with Center researchers to discuss their projects and share his insights into the needs of the states and CTE stakeholders.

In addition to the members of NRCCTE and OVAE, the seminar was attended by representatives from the Institute of Education Sciences,  Policy and Programs Studies Services, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Youth Policy Forum.

The groups had the opportunity to engage in intensive roundtable discussions with Center researchers who shared early findings from and status updates on their work. The sessions allowed researchers and liaisons to share concerns, explore refinements to or expansions of their projects, and consider the most pressing current and future needs of the field.

For more about the seminar, visit http://www.nrccte.org.