Kaine continues push for CTE, with program aimed at middle school

On the heels of a recess swing through Virginia that focused on career and technical education, including a stop at the Apprentice School, Sen. Tim Kaine today introduced a bill to set up a pilot program for middle school technical education.

The aim is give middle school students a chance to see what career and technical education programs (the jargon is CTE) could offer. Kaine's idea is to link middle schools with colleges and businesses that offer CTE or apprenticeship or similar programs, hoping to give younger kids a chance to do the same kind of hands-on exploration those programs offer high school graduates.

“Middle school is an important time for students to explore their own strengths, likes, and dislikes, and CTE exploration programs are great tools to educate them about the type of coursework or training that goes into a career field that matches their interests,” said Kaine.

The bill also aims to give students access to career guidance and academic counseling.

LeAnn Wilson, executive director of the Association of Career and Technical Education said her group supports the bill. Other national education bodies supporting the bill, including associations of school principals and middle school reform advocates, also back the measure.

“When students have the chance to see how they might put their skills to work firsthand, they become excited about learning and about preparing themselves for college and career success – and that’s a win for students and teachers alike," Wilson said.

Senators Barbara Boxer, Bob Casey, and Mark Warner are co-sponsoring the bill.

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