FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: I’ve heard both the terms “vocational education”, “Career and Technical Education” (CTE), “Academies”, and “Academic Houses” used. What is the history of these terms? Which one should I use?
A. The term “Career and Technical Education,” or “CTE,” evolved from “vocational education,” which traces its roots back more than 100 years. Today, education that prepares students for long-term career success is much broader than it used to be. Today, students can enroll in many different Career Pathways that lead to many different career programs of study and hundreds of different occupations requiring varying levels of education. To reflect the changing nature of this type of education, we no longer use the term “vocational education,” but instead use “College and Career Connected Education.”
Q: What is a Career Pathway?
A: A Career Pathway is a broad grouping of career specialties and occupations that have common skills and knowledge. Career Pathways provide a context for exploring career options at all levels of education and a framework for linking learning to the skills and knowledge needed for future success. The Mississippi Department of Education has identified Career Pathways that reflect the state’s economic and workforce priorities and are vertically aligned with our State’s Universities and Colleges.
Q: What is a Program of Study?
A: In high school, a Program of Study is designed to reflect a progressive learning of knowledge and skills associated with a particular industry sector and/or occupation. High-quality Programs of Study integrate academic and technical knowledge with valued technical and employability skills to create a holistic learning experience for students.
Q: What kinds of careers are available to students?
Careers that touch virtually every sector of the economy are available to students who enroll in College and Career Connected Education in their high school. From the medical profession to engineering, architecture to construction, Programs of Study can help guide students to the career of their dreams.
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