Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Educator Resources - National Research Center for Career Technical Education (NRCCTE)

Research

NRCCTE’s areas of research include improving CTE curricula and instructional methods, aligning and integrating CTE content with rigorous academic programs, and improving the preparation of CTE faculty and administrators. Examples of NRCCTE research include studies of literacy strategies useful in CTE and integrating mathematics education with CTE (Math-in-CTE).

NRCCTE’s research results are reviewed by an expert panel for compliance with the high standards for evidence of effectiveness in improving student outcomes established by the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC). You can also learn more about NRCCTE’s research through their publications.

Dissemination

The Center’s dissemination activities are intended to provide scientifically based information regarding effective CTE policies and practices to faculty, administrators, policy makers, and practitioners. The lead organization for disseminating NRCCTE research and reports is the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE).

Technical Assistance and Professional Development

NRCCTE provides professional development and technical assistance for state-level CTE administrators. These programs are tailored to each state’s CTE requirements and employment context. The focus of NRCCTE technical assistance is to assist states in implementing scientifically based CTE instructional methods and programs in a cost-efficient manner. NRCCTE also seeks to improve state-level policies and local CTE professional development.

Center Issues

Issues of particular for the Center include:

• The integration of academics into the CTE curriculum

• Building mathematics skills in the context of CTE (Math-in-CTE)

• Dual enrollment, in which high school students concurrently enroll in college and receive college credit

• The relationship between CTE and high school drop out rates