Objective

To determine the extent of implementation of the seven recommendations included in our initial audit report, Oversight of Career and Technical Education Programs in New York State Schools (Report 2019-S-29).

About the Program

Career and technical education (CTE) programs (referred to in the past as vocational, occupational, or practical arts education) provide students with academic and technical skills, workplace competencies, and hands-on training over a short period of time to prepare them for future careers in occupational fields such as dental assisting, plumbing, electrical, cosmetology, culinary, and vehicle maintenance. High school students involved in CTE are more engaged and graduate at higher rates. According to a national non-profit entity that represents State CTE directors, the high school graduation rate for students who have completed two consecutive CTE courses in the same program is about 90% – 15 percentage points higher than the national average.

CTE can also address the needs of high-growth industries by helping to close skills gaps without the need for extensive post-secondary education. For example, half of all jobs in science, technology, engineering, and math industries require candidates with less than a bachelor’s degree, while more than 80% of manufacturers report that talent shortages affect their ability to meet customer demand.

The Department’s CTE Office is responsible for overseeing the delivery of CTE education programs in the State’s secondary school systems. The Department also contracts with a non-profit entity to provide a CTE Technical Assistance Center (TAC) to assist schools and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) with CTE. The TAC is responsible for expanding CTE across the State and provides comprehensive professional and leadership development and CTE guidance, including assistance with program administration, reporting, and other aspects of establishing and operating successful CTE programs.

CTE programs may be Department-approved (Approved programs) or may operate outside of the Department approval structure (Local programs). Approximately 179,000 New York State students graduate high school annually. Of those, approximately 31,000 participate in Approved programs, which results in about 27% receiving a CTE endorsement on their diploma. Endorsements demonstrate that students have met the academic and industry standards of the respective CTE program and can increase the likelihood of obtaining employment in the associated field of study.

Our initial audit report, issued December 21, 2020 covering the 2015-16 through 2018-19 school years and additional information through January 9, 2020, determined whether current Department CTE activities were sufficient to meet high-demand, high-growth, and high-salary job market needs; and what the Department, school districts, and BOCES can do to enhance CTE programs. Overall, we determined the Department did not provide adequate oversight of CTE programs offered through the secondary school system to ensure they align with student goals and the needs of the State labor market. In addition, we found the students of CTE programs encountered several barriers to enrollment and the successful completion of the program.

Key Finding

Department officials have made limited progress in addressing the issues identified in the initial audit report. Of the initial report’s seven audit recommendations, three were implemented, one was partially implemented, and three were not implemented.

Key Recommendation

Officials are given 30 days after the issuance of this follow-up to provide information on any actions that are planned to address the unresolved issues discussed in this report.