Systems for learning and producing knowledge, such as career and technical education (CTE), often reproduce inequities unless an equity-focused lens is used when designing, implementing, and evaluating programs. This framework presents guidance for conducting CTE research with an intentional focus on equity. Developed by the CTE Research Network’s Equity in CTE Workgroup, the framework illustrates how researchers can infuse an equity approach into research from start to finish and provides real and hypothetical examples from CTE research.

The framework addresses equity at six stages of the research life cycle:

• Stage 1: Project Management
• Stage 2: Research Design
• Stage 3: Measurement and Data Collection
• Stage 4: Data Analysis
• Stage 5: Cost and Resource Equity
• Stage 6: Reporting and Dissemination

To support researchers in applying the Equity Framework for CTE Research, a Thematic Overview and Checklist are available as companion resources. In addition, read the latest blog posts from the Inside IES Research blog and the Equity in CTE Workgroup.

This resource is part of our Network collection of CTE Research Fundamentals.