Measuring Proficiency in the World of Career and Technical Education

The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) in December, 2015, ushered in a new era for K-12 education that ensures all students are prepared for college- and career-success. The new law places unprecedented emphasis on the role of CTE in achieving positive outcomes for all students, including through integration of CTE and academics, increased emphasis on career guidance and counseling, and inclusion of career readiness indicators in accountability systems.

The implementation process for the new law is now underway, which the U.S. Department of Education plans to have fully completed by 2017-18 school year. For the roll-out of this new law to provide maximum support to CTE students and professionals, it is important that ACTE members and the CTE community understand the opportunities presented for their programs.

Since the federal government has made changes to its principal law governing education, each state must then make adjustments to align with federal mandate. The summary of those changes will be in the new “measuring stick” for schools the Future Ready PA Index.

The Future Ready PA Index will measure how students achieve in reading, math, and science. It will also measure growth. Additionally, the index will have an increased emphasis on career and technical education programs of study.  Industry recognized standards such as NOCTI or NIMS will be measurements for career readiness.

The NOCTI is the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute. It delivers a number of standardized tests for students studying career and technical programs. The assessments are based on a job and task analysis process. The NOCTI is part written test and part performance. In order to be proficient, students must have not only the knowledge of a particular trade, but be able to demonstrate the ability to perform entry level work. The assessments are updated on a regular basis. They are aligned with national academic standards (math, science and language arts) as well as business and industry standards. A number of the assessments are linked to industry certifications programs.

            The NIMS is the National Institute for Metalworking Skills. NIMS was formed in 1994 by the metalworking trade associations to develop and maintain a globally competitive American workforce. NIMS sets skills standards for the industry, certifies individual skills against the standards and accredits training programs that meet NIMS quality requirements. 

            The students at LCCTC have tested over 90% proficient in each of the last 3 years in the NOCTI and NIMS. We have consistently performed amongst the top 5 comprehensive ctcs in the state over that same period of time. As the ESSA looks to broaden the measures for students to demonstrate proficiency, LCCTC welcomes the change and appreciates the opportunity to demonstrate our achievement in the essential area of career and technical education. In order for American manufacturing to grow, we must have the skilled labor force that a 21^st century economy needs.