CTE programs are an important bridge between high school, postsecondary education, industry, and workforce development. These programs can open doors to hands-on learning, industry-recognized skills, and meaningful employment opportunities. For students with disabilities, CTE can build confidence in specific skills, foster independence, enhance career exploration, and connect classroom learning to real work experiences and future careers.

Why it matters for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs):

• A multi-state study conducted in Indiana and Minnesota found that special education students who participated in CTE programs were more likely to become “concentrators,” those who complete multiple courses in a single career-oriented track. Those students also achieved higher employment rates within the first five years of graduation compared to their non-participating peers.
• Research across Massachusetts, Tennessee, and Washington indicates that CTE concentration is linked to improved graduation rates. Furthermore, in most of these states, students who focused on CTE experienced higher employment rates one year after high school.
• Another study confirms that students with IEPs who engage in CTE programs achieve better graduation, college enrollment, and employment outcomes than their peers who earn fewer CTE credits.
  

To ensure students find programs that support their long-term goals, educators should introduce CTE options early during transition planning. CTE programs are specifically designed to help students with disabilities achieve their IEP goals through tailored instruction. By earning microcredentials, students can formally demonstrate their proficiency, giving employers greater confidence in their technical skills.

CTE Pathways Microcredential Pilot Project

We invite you to pilot CTE microcredentials in Automotive Technology and Early Childhood Education. Additional programs in Culinary Arts and Hospitality will be available soon. These microcredentials validate skills students acquire through practical experience. They offer a portable, competency-based method for students to demonstrate their talents to future employers. This collaboration between special education and CTE programs ensures that all stakeholders succeed.

Interested in joining our pilot project or learning more? Email us today at instrc@iu.edu!