Hartzler Applauds Approval of Missouri's Career and Technical Education Plan

HARRISONVILLE, MO – Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler (MO-04) issued the following statement after Department of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos approved Missouri’s career and technical education (CTE) plan. CTE plans serve as the educational roadmap to equip students with the valuable job skills necessary for successful careers in critical industries in our local and state economies.
 
“It is critical to provide our students with practical skills and experiences reflective of the modern workforce. Today’s economy is evolving rapidly as new industries, technologies, and consumer demands emerge at a rapid pace. Preparing young people for local, well-paying careers in fields such as agriculture, business, health care, culinary arts, construction, computer science, and other critical fields is essential for our rural communities’ continued success. We have such an incredible pool of talent right here in Missouri; these students deserve every tool they need to tap into that potential and be the drivers of tomorrow’s economy,” Hartzler said.
 
Specifically, Missouri’s CTE Plan:

• Provides an online, comprehensive career development program at no cost to students, parents/guardians, adults, and educators.
• Introduces Science, Technology Engineering, & Math (STEM) career awareness in the middle grades and continues to promote career exploration and preparation for every high school student through the development of an Individual Career and Academic Plan.
• Increases the number of high school student graduates who attain an industry-valued postsecondary credential.

“I want to thank and congratulate Dr. Margie Vandeven, Missouri’s Commissioner of Education, all of our school boards and superintendents, our teachers, and Secretary DeVos for developing such a forward-thinking CTE Plan. These efforts will prove incredibly valuable to out students’ lives and to our economy here at home,” Hartzler said.