Does Vocational Still Imply Tracking? Examining the Evolution of Technical Education Curricular Policy in Texas

• In Event: 32.048 - College and Career Readiness: Evidence on Standards, Vocational Education, and Advanced Placement

Abstract

Like many states, Texas has shifted its approach to technical education from vocational programs to career and technical education (CTE) following the passing of the 2006 Perkins legislation. The purpose of this study is to investigate how changes in technical education policy has altered who participates in CTE and its impacts on students' postsecondary and labor market outcomes. The results show that CTE concentrators both have superior earnings after high school graduation and are more likely to attend college compared to non-concentrators. The findings challenge the long-standing perception of technical education as a mechanism for stratifying opportunities and outcomes based on racial, socioeconomic, or other lines. However, the results also show that the subject of CTE concentration matters greatly.

Author

• Matt Giani, The University of Texas - Austin