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Upcoming Events
September 24–25, 2021
ACTE Region II 2021 Hybrid Leadership Conference
Nashville, TV (hybrid online and in-person event)
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and ACTE Region II, this hybrid event will feature both in-person and virtual professional development sessions. Learn more
September 26–29, 2021
Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness (SREE) 2021 Conference
Arlington, VA
The theme of this year's SREE conference is "The Fierce Urgency of Knowledge: Education Evidence for Reimagining and Reckoning." Learn more
- September 29 (10:15–11:45 a.m. Eastern Time)
CTE Research Network Symposium: Understanding Varying Impacts of Career and Technical Education
Join discussant Rachel Rosen, MDRC, and organizer Corinne Alfeld, Institute of Education Science, for a presentation of new findings from three CTE Research Network projects examining (1) the impact of attending a CTE-focused high school in Connecticut on the outcomes of students with disabilities, (2) the variations in program impacts for a wide variety of CTE programs in schools across New York City, and (3) high school and postsecondary outcomes, including subgroup differences, for students in the CTE-specific pathway of North Carolina’s “Career and College Promise” dual enrollment program.
September 29–October 1, 2021
Best Practices and Innovations Conference 2021
Austin, TX
Cohosted by the Administration Division of the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), one of our network partners, and the National Council of Local Administrators (NCLA), this conference is the signature professional development event for administrators of both secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs and institutions. Learn more
- September 30 (3:45–4:45 p.m. Eastern Time)
CTE Research Network Roundtable: CTE Research Network Practitioner Training Modules: Free Resources to Better Understand and Use CTE Data and Research
This roundtable will present an overview of our online Practitioner Training Modules, which are designed to build the capacity of state and district CTE policymakers and practitioners to use data and research to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement efforts. This session provides information on freely accessing and using the modules as well as a deeper dive into Module 5, "Using Research to Design Your CTE Program for Equity."
October 6–7, 2021
National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) Conference
Tucson, AZ
This year's National Council for Workforce Education Conference features the theme "Workforce Education: The Everchanging Painted Landscape." The event will be in person. Learn more
November 4–5, 2021
National Career Pathways Network Connect Virtual Conference
Virtual event
This professional development opportunity will include keynotes, live breakout sessions (will be recorded and available for six months), networking for attendees, and more. On-demand prerecorded sessions will also be available for viewing at participants' convenience. Learn more
November 29–30, 2021
Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) Research and Professional Development Conference
New Orleans, LA
The foremost peer-reviewed conference for CTE researchers and academic professionals, this in-person event will occur in conjunction with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION 2021. In addition, a virtual session will be held December 6–8 (see below), and participants may attend either or both sessions. This year's theme is "A Fresh Look at the Future of CTE: Turning the Page on COVID." Learn more
December 1–4, 2021
ACTE CareerTech VISION 2021
New Orleans, LA (hybrid online and in-person event)
Hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), CareerTech VISION is an annual national event for CTE professionals that offers hundreds of sessions on high-quality CTE as well as creative networking opportunities. The 2021 event will include both online and in-person programming and sessions. Learn More
December 6–8, 2021
Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) Research and Professional Development Conference
Virtual event
The foremost peer-reviewed conference for CTE researchers and academic professionals, this virtual event will occur in conjunction with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION 2021. In addition, an in-person session will be held November 29–30 (see above), and participants may attend either or both sessions. This year's theme is "A Fresh Look at the Future of CTE: Turning the Page on COVID." Learn more
Past Events
July 26–28, 2021
Ohio Career Technical Education: Innovation and Impact Conference
Columbus, OH
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Ohio ACTE, this in-person event will feature professional and leadership development programming and sessions. Learn more
July 19–22, 2021
46th Annual Arizona ACTE Summer Conference
Virtual event
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Arizona ACTE, this virtual event is open to administrators, counselors, teachers, and industry personnel and features the theme “Maintaining Balance and Moving Forward." Learn more
July 19–22, 2021
2021 Colorado ACTE CareerTech Summit
Virtual event
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Colorado ACTE (CACTE), this annual event is the premier opportunity for Colorado CTE educators at all levels to unite for professional development and networking. This year's virtual summit offers nationally known keynote speakers and a variety of breakout sessions. Learn more
July 19–22, 2021
South Carolina ACTE Education and Business Summit
TBD
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and South Carolina ACTE (SACTE), this conference will feature professional and leadership development programming and sessions. Learn more
July 14, 2021
Georgia ACTE Summit
Athens, GA (hybrid online and in-person event)
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Georgia ACTE (GACTE), this one-day hybrid summit will feature both in-person and virtual professional and leadership development programming and sessions. Learn more
July 12–16, 2021
Tennessee ACTE Conference
TBD
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Tennessee ACTE, this event will feature professional and leadership development programming and sessions. Learn more
July 6–9, 2021
Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Making Schools That Work Conference
Virtual event
This professional learning event for K–12 teachers, counselors, principals, technology center directors, and state and district education agency personnel provides four days of hands-on professional learning and networking with colleagues. Learn more
June 29–July 1, 2021
National Career Development Association (NCDA) Global Career Development Conference
Virtual event
The global pandemic and the national reckoning around discrimination and racism have created significant shifts in career and work. This year's NCDA conference will explore challenges and opportunities for career educators, practitioners, and researchers related to the theme “A Kaleidoscope of Career Interventions in an Age of Uncertainty." Learn more
June 16–18, 2021
ACTE Region III Conference
Prior Lake, MN (hybrid online and in-person event)
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and ACTE Region III, this hybrid event will feature both in-person and virtual professional development sessions in three tracks: teaching, administration/leadership, and partnerships. Learn more
June 15–16, 2021
Horizons
Virtual event
With a post-pandemic recovery in sight, this national summit draws on the lessons from the past year to envision a future rooted in equity and opportunity for all. Join thousands of friends, partners, thought leaders, and practitioners at Horizons—hosted by our network partner JFF—to hear big ideas and discuss bold actions for creating more equitable workforce and education systems for all. The event is free, open to everyone, and breaking the mold of what a virtual conference can be. Learn more
June 15, 2021
District-Level Strategies to Advance Equity in Career and Technical Education Programs
Webinar
Hosted by Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Central, this webinar will explore strategies to address equitable access, participation, and success in CTE programs. The webinar will provide an overview of current research on the impact of CTE on college and career readiness as well as opportunities for Q&A with REL Central partners from Rapid City Area Schools, Huron School District, and Portland Public Schools. Learn more
June 1, 2021
CTE Innovation Summit
Virtual event
Are you ready to prepare your learners for the rapidly changing workplace with cutting-edge tools and techniques? Hear from recognized leaders at the CTE Innovation Summit, taking place virtually. Presenters from the Consumer Technology Association, Microsoft, Google, Brookings Institution, and a host of others will share their insights on new high-quality CTE innovations in the changing world of teaching, learning and work. This event is hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), a partner in our network. Learn more
- CTE Research Network Session: CTE Research on Innovative Programs in CTE
Join Kathy Hughes, our network's director and principal investigator, and Kelly Reese, the co-research lead, as they discuss the research on innovative CTE models and practices (3:30–4:15 p.m. Eastern Time).
April 29–30, 2021
ACTE’s National & Iowa’s Annual Hybrid Work-Based Learning Conference
Ankeny, IA (hybrid online and in-person event)
Learn about best practices in work-based learning from across the country to give today’s students quality experiences for informed futures. This event is co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Learn more
April 26–29, 2021
National Summit for Educational Equity
Virtual event
Workshops will focus on four strands: (1) Equitable Learning Environments in a COVID-19 Reality; (2) Access and Equity in CTE and STEM for Underrepresented Students; (3) Foster a Diverse Workforce; and (4) Public Policy. Learn more
April 21–22, 2021
ACTE Region I Virtual Leadership Conference
Virtual event
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and ACTE Region I, this conference will provide provide professional and leadership development for career and technical education professionals, including instructors, administrators, and career guidance and school counselors from both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions. Learn More
April 15–17, 2021
ACTE Region V Virtual Leadership Conference
Virtual event
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), ACTE Region V, and Nevada ACTE, this conference will provide provide professional and leadership development for career and technical education professionals, including instructors, administrators, and career guidance and school counselors from both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions. Learn More
April 14–15, 2021
Advance CTE Spring Meeting
Virtual event
Attend Advance CTE's Spring Meeting to discuss CTE milestones, advances, and challenges facing states. The virtual format will provide attendees with multiple opportunities to interact, receive support, and gain valuable knowledge to reset and look to the future. Learn More
April 14–15, 2021
ACTE Region IV Virtual Leadership Conference
Virtual event
Co-hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and ACTE Region IV, this conference will provide provide professional and leadership development for career and technical education professionals, including instructors, administrators, and career guidance and school counselors from both secondary and postsecondary CTE programs and institutions. Learn More
April 8–12, 2021
American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2021 Annual Meeting
Virtual event
We invite you to attend our network session at AERA's 2021 Annual Meeting. This year's virtual meeting has the theme "Accepting Educational Responsibility" and boasts more than 2,200 education research sessions. Learn More
- April 10 (4:10–5:40 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time)
CTE Research Network Session: Measures, Data, and Counterfactuals: Approaches to Improving Research in Career and Technical Education
A significant amount of research exists on career and technical education (CTE), but the vast majority of it is descriptive or correlational. Only recently is the field seeing a number of new experimental and quasi-experimental studies. While these recent developments are positive, many questions remain about approaches to measuring exposure to CTE and outcomes, since CTE programs vary widely. In addition, there is much room for improvement in the state longitudinal data systems that many researchers rely upon. This session presents three papers that address these topics and suggest avenues for more high-quality CTE research in the future.
April 1–2, 2021
Oregon CTE Conference: Virtual Vortex to the Future
Virtual event
Hosted by the Oregon affiliate of our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), this conference will feature sessions related to Perkins V, work-based learning, classroom management, attracting the non-trade CTE student, community college CTE administration, and district CTE administration. Learn More
March 21–24, 2021
Coalition on Adult Basic Education (COABE) National Virtual Conference
Virtual event
COABE's 2021 national conference will feature 17 strands and more than 375 virtual sessions. All sessions will be archived and available for on-demand viewing for 6 months. Learn More
March 17–20, 2021
Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) 46th Annual Conference
Virtual event
AEFP's annual conference provides sessions and networking opportunities for researchers and policymakers to learn from one another. The theme of this year's virtual event is "Promoting Equity and Opportunity Through Education Policy Research." Learn More
March 4, 2021
Strengthening the Career Readiness Data Ecosystem: Introducing a Statewide Framework for Improving Policy and Practice
Webinar (3:00 p.m. ET)
Data is a powerful tool to strengthen CTE program quality, improve equity, empower stakeholders, and enhance storytelling. But all too often, state agencies struggle to connect learner-level data across education levels and coordinate data collection and reporting to ensure all stakeholders have access to the information they need when they need it. In this webinar, Advance CTE introduces a new framework to help state leaders strengthen their career readiness data ecosystem. View the recording
February 22–26, 2021
ACTE National Policy Seminar
Virtual event with live content and virtual Capitol Hill visits
Join career and technical education professionals from across the nation to engage virtually on key policy topics related to the 117th Congress, the Biden Administration, outlook and news from Members of Congress working on CTE issues for key committees, best practices in influencing federal policy related to CTE advocacy and messaging, and virtual Hill and school visits. This event is hosted by our network partner Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE). Learn More
January 27–28, 2021
American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Workforce Development Institute
Virtual event
This year's AACC Workforce Development Institute theme is "Adjusting Through Adversity." Learn More
January 12–13, 2021
Virginia ACTE Professional Development and Leadership Seminar
Virtual event
Hosted by the Virginia affiliate of our network partner ACTE, this seminar will explore challenges, successes, and strategies for delivering career and technical education in different learning platforms. Breakout sessions will highlight successful best practices and programs related to distance learning, student engagement, work-based learning, credentialing and licensure, career counseling, lab safety and protocol during COVID-19, advocacy, and more. Learn More
November 30–December 4, 2020
Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION 2020
Virtual event
Hosted by our network partner ACTE, CareerTech VISION is an annual event for CTE professionals that offers hundreds of sessions on high-quality CTE as well as creative networking opportunities. This year's virtual conference will highlight innovative CTE programs that have emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn More
- December 2 (4:30–5:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
Session: Bridging the School-to-Work Divide with P-TECH
P-TECH schools are 6-year high schools that allow students to earn a high school diploma and an applied associate degree at the same time, while being partnered with an industry sponsor who provides work-based learning experiences for students. In this session, MDRC will present interim findings from its evaluation of seven of NYC’s P-TECH 9–14 schools. Come learn how these innovative schools are supporting students from lower income communities in achieving academic success through high school and keeping them on track for postsecondary success. See the recording of the presentation.
- December 3 (4:30–5:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
Session: Connecting Practitioners and Researchers to Study the Impact of CTE
What do we know about how CTE impacts students? The CTE Research Network is expanding the evidence base on CTE with five large-scale studies focusing on CTE’s causal effects. We will summarize the research evidence and describe the ongoing studies, which address Connecticut’s CTE high schools, New York City’s CTE landscape, CTE-focused dual enrollment in North Carolina, P-TECH 9–14 schools, and more. We are also working to bring researchers and practitioners together to better collaborate and communicate on research. Bring your questions and share your views on the field’s research needs! See the recording of the presentation.
- December 4 (4:30–5:30 p.m. Eastern Time)
Session: CTE Research Network Practitioner Training Modules: Free Resources to Better Understand and Use CTE Data and Research
This fall, the CTE Research Network launched a series of six self-guided training modules to help administrators become research-savvy. Designed for CTE practitioners and state department of education staff, these courses will strengthen your capacity to access, conduct, understand, and use CTE research. Join us to learn more about using data and research to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement efforts. This one-hour session will provide an overview of the modules and information on freely accessing and using them. See the recording of the presentation.
December 1, 2020
Informing Improvements to Career and Technical Education Programs
Webinar (3:00–4:30 p.m. Eastern Time / 2:00–3:30 p.m. Central Time)
During this unusual start to the school year, district leaders, researchers, and other educators can benefit from additional resources and tools to implement high-quality CTE programs. This free webinar will share real-world examples from three Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) studies that used participant data to inform CTE program improvements. Hosted by REL Appalachia, REL Northwest, and REL Southwest, the webinar will discuss what can be gained by examining CTE data (including tracking postsecondary outcomes of CTE participants) and provide examples of how states and districts across the country are using data to inform improvements to their CTE programs. Learn More and Register
November 30–December 1, 2020
Career and Technical Education Research and Professional Development Conference
Virtual event
The CTE Research and Professional Development Conference is the foremost peer-reviewed conference for CTE researchers and academic professionals. The Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) hosts the conference in conjunction with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION 2020 (see below). Learn More
November 11–13, 2020
Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM) Fall Conference
Virtual event
The APPAM 2020 Fall Research Conference presents research on current and emerging policy and management issues, and this year's theme is "Research Across the Policy Lifecycle: Formulation, Implementation, Evaluation and Back Again." The fully online conference will enable participants to communicate across platforms, connect, network, and provide feedback in an innovative format. Learn More
October 29, 2020
Demystifying ‘Causal Impact’ Research and Understanding Why It Is Important to CTE
Webinar
The CTE Research Network seeks to expand the evidence base on the impact of CTE programs on student outcomes, and is working to implement more rigorous research—studies designed to show a causal impact—to meet that goal. But what is “causal impact” and what do CTE educators need to know related to the topic? This webinar will feature an introduction to the CTE Research Network, an overview of its goals and activities, and a discussion with several leading researchers about the value of causal impact and other research methodologies.
October 15–16, 2020
National Career Pathways Network Conference
Virtual event
This virtual conference features keynote speakers, presentations, expert panels, and a wide range of asynchronous breakout sessions on a range of topics related to CTE, Career Pathways, and workforce development initiatives.
October 9, 2020
CTE Research Network Practitioner Training Modules: Free Resources to Better Understand and Use CTE Data and Research Institute
ACTE Best Practices and Innovations Conference | Virtual event | 1:00–1:30 p.m. ET
This virtual conference session provides an overview of the CTE Research Network's new Practitioner Training Modules. These seven online modules, which are available free of charge, are designed to build the capacity of state and district CTE policymakers and practitioners to use data and research to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement efforts. Session participants will learn how to access and use the modules. Presenters: Katherine Hughes, Ph.D., CTE Research Network Director and Principal Investigator, American Institutes for Research (AIR); Marjorie Cohen, Senior TA Consultant, AIR.
October 8–9, 2020
ACTE Best Practices and Innovations Conference
Virtual event | Oct. 8–9, 2020
This virtual conference co-hosted by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and the NCLA focuses on professional development for administrators of both secondary and postsecondary career and technical education programs and institutions.
October 7–8, 2020
National Council for Workforce Education (NCWE) Conference
Virtual event
This virtual conference features keynote speakers, panels, and more than 60 workshops on topics related to workforce education, including issues of equity and challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 17–21, 2020
2020 Career and Technical Education Research Training Institute
Virtual event
Apply now for our 2020 CTE Research Training Institute. We are seeking researchers with quantitative research experience and a demonstrated interest in CTE research. During the intensive five-day training, researchers will learn to plan and conduct high-quality impact studies of CTE programs, practices, and policies. Attendance is free. Applications close June 30, 2020.
June 29–July 1, 2020
National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB) Forum
Virtual event
The 2020 NAWB Forum provides an opportunity for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss the future of workforce development with special attention to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which is set to expire in 2020.
June 8–11, 2020
JFF Horizons Conference
Virtual event
This conference hosted by JFF, a CTE Research Network partner, brings together practitioners and policymakers from the fields of K–12 and postsecondary education to discuss the future of education and the workforce.
March 29–April 1, 2020
ACTE National Policy Seminar – Seminar canceled
Arlington, VA
This national seminar explores topics related to CTE policy, advocacy, and impact.
March 13, 2020
Building Causal Evidence for CTE – Conference canceled
Society for Research on Educational Excellence (SREE) Spring 2020 Conference
Arlington, VA (2:45–4:15 p.m. ET)
This conference session will feature three CTE Research Network projects:
- An Early Look at the Factors Driving Variation in CTE Program Impacts
James Kemple, New York University; Rebecca Unterman, MDRC; and Shaun Dougherty, Vanderbilt University - The P-TECH Model of Schools: High School Impacts from the NYC P-TECH Experience
Rachel Rosen, MDRC; Crystal Byndloss, MDRC; and Leigh Parise, MDRC - The Effects of Career and Technical Education: Evidence from the Connecticut Technical High School System
Eric J. Brunner, University of Connecticut; Shaun Dougherty, Vanderbilt University; and Stephen Ross, University of Connecticut
Julie Edmunds, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Braden Goetz, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education, will facilitate discussion. Corinne Alfeld, the CTE Research Network's program officer at the Institute of Education Sciences, serves as the session organizer.
March 12, 2020
Connecting Practitioners and Researchers to Study the Impact of CTE – Session canceled
ACTE Region 1 Conference
New York City, NY (2:30–3:20 p.m. ET)
Come hear the latest findings on CTE’s effectiveness, share your views on the field’s research needs, and engage with us around ideas for future research and collaboration. Katherine Hughes, director of the CTE Research Network, and Crystal Byndloss, senior associate of the K–12 Education Policy Area and director of Outreach, Diversity, and Inclusion at MDRC, will present.
December 5, 2019
Overview of the CTE Research Network
Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) CareerTech VISION 2019
Anaheim, CA
Join us at ACTE CareerTech VISION 2019 (Dec. 4–7) for a CTE Research Network session designed to spark dialogue among researchers and practitioners. Hosted by network partner ACTE, CareerTech VISION is an annual event for CTE professionals that offers hundreds of sessions on high-quality CTE, an Expo featuring exhibitor workshops, and more.
December 3, 2019
Conference Opening Address
Association for Career and Technical Education Research (ACTER) CTE Research and Professional Development Conference
Anaheim, CA
Shaun Dougherty, Ed.D, our network's co-principal investigator, presents the opening address and an overview of the network at the evening reception of ACTER’s CTE Conference (Dec. 3–4). This conference for CTE researchers and practitioners is held in conjunction with ACTE CareerTech VISION 2019.
November 9, 2019
Panel Presentation on CTE Student Outcomes
Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management (APPAM) Fall Research Conference
Denver, CO
Our network's Vanderbilt and University of Connecticut research team presents its study on the effects of the Connecticut Technical High School System as part of the "Innovations in CTE Policies and Their Impacts on Student Outcomes" panel at APPAM's fall conference (Nov. 7–9). This annual conference focuses on current and emerging policy and management issues.
November 6, 2019
Can Career and Technical Education Improve Student Outcomes?
Webinar
High schools have experienced a resurgence of interest in career and technical education (CTE), yet questions about the effects of CTE remain. How can CTE programs better adapt to the demands of changing job markets? How can CTE policies provide better opportunities to disadvantaged populations? In this webinar, Shaun Dougherty, Ed.D, associate professor of Public Policy and Education at Vanderbilt University and co-principal investigator of the CTE Research Network, discusses the evidence on these and other issues. Hosted by the Institute for Research on Poverty at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.