Study Information
What is the PA CTE Assessments Study?
The study focuses on high school career and technical education (CTE) programs in the state of Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania requires CTE concentrators who are expected to graduate during a given academic year (that is, 12th-graders) to take end-of-program assessments that can lead to a CTE credential. These technical assessments are provided by the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI) and the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
The study seeks to document knowledge and beliefs about the assessment program, use of supporting resources, the impact of high exam performance on student education and employment outcomes in the first years after high school, program costs and cost effectiveness, and differences and relationships between NOCTI/NIMS and industry-recognized credentials (certifications). Findings may shape programs and policies in Pennsylvania and across the country.
Note that the study is not an evaluation of individual districts, schools, CTE programs, educators, or students. Nor is it part of any accreditation effort; the study is an independent research study.
Who is funding the PA CTE Assessments Study?
This study is funded by a research grant from the Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education (Grant #R305A240078). The lead organization is RTI International, a nonpartisan, non-profit research institute.
Who is the team behind the PA CTE Assessments Study?
The study is led by a team from RTI International and Ohio State University. The team identified a need in the research field to better understand CTE assessments and their role in supporting student success. The team applied for and received funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences based on a competitive grantmaking process. The study is endorsed by the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Bureau of Career and Technical Education and the Pennsylvania Association of Career-Technical Administrators (PACTA).
Contact information
Study email: pactecreds@rti.org
Principal Investigator: Ben Dalton, bdalton@rti.org