Public Policy Center, University of Nebraska

 

Date of this Version

7-2010

Comments

Report Delivered to the Nebraska Department of Education July 2010

Abstract

KEY FINDINGS

Perceptions of Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses
o The Nebraska public believes that CTE prepares students for careers and college, and that CTE courses are just as important as traditional academic subjects.
o However, substantial proportions of Nebraskans believe that CTE students are not as respected as students who take more traditionally academic courses.

Career Awareness and Exploration
o Most Nebraskans believe that students should begin to learn about potential careers in middle school and that activities such as job shadowing and internships should be made available in high school.
o Large proportions of respondents said they would favor a system of high schools that are focused on specific careers.

Attitudes about Career Information
o Nebraskans who have children in K‐12 are interested in learning about career options available to children, but large proportions of parents do not feel that Nebraska schools are currently doing a good job of informing parents about careers and their related academic requirements.

Development of Course Content
o Nebraskans feel that course content should be developed based on: 1) the skills required in the work place; 2) the entrance requirements of Nebraska colleges and universities; and 3) the academic standards and graduation requirements of a school district.

The Role of Local Employers
o Overwhelmingly, Nebraskans believe local businesses should work with schools to ensure that CTE courses are up‐to‐date and to provide unique learning and training experiences for students. Skills Obtained by High School Graduates in Nebraska
o Large proportions of respondents feel that Nebraska graduates do not have the skills necessary for success in college and the workplace upon graduation.
o Paradoxically, most respondents also agree that Nebraska schools are doing a good job of preparing students for careers.

The Nebraska Economy and CTE
o Substantial proportions of Nebraskans say that economic activity in their area is directly tied to the education afforded students.
o The majority of Nebraskans believe that teaching students entrepreneurial skills is important for the future of the state’s economy.

Demographic Comparisons
o Parents of students are more positive about the skills received by Nebraska graduates than those without children in school.
o Urban respondents are more likely to say economic development is directly related to education and that local employers should be involved in course development.
o Rural respondents are more likely to believe entrepreneurship is important, and that economic development in the state will be directly related to CTE.

Comparison of Results to an Earlier Survey of Educators
o Both the public and educators feel that courses should be developed based on career considerations.
o The public is more likely than educators to say that CTE courses are rigorous and that CTE students are better prepared for employment than other students.
o The public is more likely to say that CTE focuses on students who won’t go to college and that CTE students are not as respected as other students.
o Educators are less likely to agree that graduates do not have the skills necessary for college and careers.

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