Officials with the South Dakota Department of Education are telling lawmakers about where students are excelling the most and where they’re not. One area of focus is on career and technical education or CTE. South Dakota Secretary of Education Melody Schopp says CTE programs are successful and demonstrate the importance of a well-rounded education.
“When we get kids engaged, and they’re engaged in what they’re doing and they can see the relevancy, the potential for them to be successful is even stronger. CTE does that. CTE is one of those things that it teaches kids not only the academic skills that they need, but also the life skills that will carry them through. We know it keeps kids in school because it brings the relevancy to their education,” Schopp says.
The graduation rate of students enrolled in CTE programs is about 15 percent higher than total high school graduation. Legislators have made it a goal this session to reduce the cost of taking CTE courses to make it more affordable for high school students.