CTE Curriculum Development in District of Columbia

The District of Columbia's career and technical education system serves approximately 8,500 secondary students through programs offered in DC Public Schools, public charter schools, and specialized career academies. As an urban district with unique governance as both a city and a territory, DC's CTE system is designed to prepare students for careers in the diverse industries that define the nation's capital, including government, technology, healthcare, hospitality, and professional services.

DC's CTE programs are organized around career pathways that leverage the district's unique economic environment. Students have access to internship and work-based learning opportunities with federal agencies, international organizations, technology companies, and healthcare institutions that are headquartered in or near the district.

The district has invested significantly in modernizing its CTE infrastructure, including renovating career academy facilities and expanding program offerings in high-demand fields. DC's strong emphasis on equity ensures that CTE programs are accessible to students from all wards of the city, with targeted initiatives to increase participation among students in historically underserved communities.

Standards & Alignment

DC's CTE programs follow standards developed by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) in partnership with industry and postsecondary partners. These standards define the technical competencies and career-ready practices students should develop in each program of study and are aligned with national industry standards and certifications.

The district integrates CTE standards with DC's academic standards and emphasizes the development of professional skills that are essential for success in the district's service-oriented economy. DC also supports the attainment of industry-recognized credentials, with particular emphasis on certifications valued by employers in the federal government, technology, and healthcare sectors.

Key Challenges

DC faces challenges in ensuring equitable CTE access across all wards of the city, as historical disparities in school quality and resources have created uneven CTE offerings. The district has invested in expanding programs in underserved areas, but gaps in access and participation persist, particularly for students east of the Anacostia River.

Recruiting and retaining qualified CTE teachers in DC is challenging due to the high cost of living in the district and competition with well-paying federal and private sector positions. DC has implemented alternative certification pathways and offers competitive compensation packages, but attracting instructors with specialized technical skills remains difficult. The district is also working to strengthen connections between CTE and postsecondary education, particularly with the University of the District of Columbia Community College.

Perkins V in District of Columbia

DC's Perkins V state plan prioritizes equity as its central goal, focusing on closing gaps in CTE access, participation, and outcomes among different student populations. The plan emphasizes expanding high-quality CTE programs in underserved communities, strengthening work-based learning opportunities, and improving the connection between CTE and postsecondary pathways.

Key performance targets include increasing CTE concentrator graduation rates, expanding industry certification attainment, and improving the quality of comprehensive local needs assessments. DC's plan also calls for enhanced partnerships with the district's diverse employer base to expand internship, apprenticeship, and mentoring opportunities for CTE students.

District of Columbia CTE Resources

Essential links for CTE educators and administrators in District of Columbia.