Career and technical education (CTE) aka vocational education has been one of the alternative ways for high school graduates who are not interested in pursuing a college degree. Unfortunately, the program has recently been plagued with criticisms, from being a "second rate" education to the widespread gender inequality in CTE programs.
US Department Of Education Urges Gender Equality In Career And Technical Education
Due to the issue of sexism in career and technical education programs, the U.S. Department of Education decided to create a new set of guidelines, which was published on Jun. 15, urging men and women to have equal access to CTE curriculums or courses. The said guidelines were released through the agency's Dear Colleague Letter.
"As the father of two daughters, I want my girls - and all young women in this country - to have access to the careers of their dreams, no matter the path," U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said in a statement, as per the U.S. Department of Education Press Release. "Career and technical education is not just about preparing some students for successful lives and careers, it's about giving all students the tools to succeed."
US Department Of Education To Stop Sexism In Career And Technical Education
Despite the government's efforts to ensure that all students regardless of gender should have access to high-quality secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs, inequalities still continue in certain fields. That's why, the agency is now concentrating on collaborating with schools to ensure that CTE programs are free from all any form of unlawful discrimination through the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
Under the civil rights laws, U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) should ensure an equitable access to CTE programs. The department is also responsible for dealing with the issues that may spark concerns over the compliance with the new set of guidelines.
Meanwhile, the letter, which is the second that was released by the U.S. Department of Education this month, also highlighted the underrepresentation of women in career and technical education programs. It also outlined the effects of gender inequality in CTE programs that may lead to "economic insecurity."
"Persistent underrepresentation of women and girls in CTE programs can limit their access to higher-paying careers, which contributes to the gender pay gap and to women's economic insecurity," the letter read, as quoted by Argus Leader.
Due to the rising gender inequality and discrimination, Civil Rights assistant secretary Catherine E. Lhamon also emphasized the sentiment that equal access to career and technical education would stop the culture of stereotyping and gender discrimination. In addition, it will also develop and ensure an unbiased path for a high-skill, high-wage and on-demand jobs for all CTE students.
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