National Research Center on Career and Technical Education

The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (Perkins IV) authorizes the U.S. Department of Education to establish a national research center to carry out scientifically-based research and evaluation.

National Research Center on Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE)

Overall Objectives

• Develop, improve, and identify the most successful methods for addressing the education, employment, and training needs of participants, including the integration of academic and technical education, education technology, and distance-learning approaches.
• Increase the effectiveness and improve the implementation of career and technical education (CTE) programs that integrate challenging academic and technical skill standards.
• Improve the preparation and professional development for teachers, faculty, and administrators.
• Improve student learning in the CTE classroom.

Perkins IV also authorizes the center to conduct dissemination and training activities based on this research.

The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) competitively awarded a new five-year grant to conduct the center following the reauthorization of the Perkins IV legislation in FY 2007. The grant was awarded to the University of Louisville in Kentucky, in partnership with the University of Minnesota, Cornell University, Clemson University, and the Southern Region Education Board.

Broad Areas for Research and Dissemination

• Engagement - reducing dropouts and increasing school completion at both the secondary and postsecondary levels.
• Achievement- strengthening academic and technical knowledge and skills.
• Transition - increasing the movement of students from high school to postsecondary education and from education into the workplace.