Key Considerations for Evaluating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs

Stacy Ashworth, Ph.D., Evaluation Project Manager

Shaffer Evaluation Group partners with a wide range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs supported by various grant initiatives, including the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP), and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Our goal is to be the go-to partner for educational organizations, helping them secure funding, improve their programs with solid evidence, and ultimately make a bigger difference for underserved communities both in the US and globally.

Designing an Effective Evaluation Strategy

When designing an evaluation strategy for CTE programs, consider the following two key factors:

Capture the Full Range of Program Impact

Outcome measures should reflect both short-term achievements and long-term impacts. Traditional metrics like completion rates, graduation rates, and post-program plans are essential, but they only tell part of the story. To gain a deeper understanding of program effectiveness, collect data throughout the program’s duration. This might include:

• Surveys that track changes in participants’ beliefs, attitudes, and dispositions.

• Measures of academic performance and engagement.

• Insights into future educational or career plans.

• Enrollment in additional training, educational programs, or courses.

  
  

These broader indicators provide a more complete picture of how the program shapes participants’ trajectories. By focusing on these aspects, we can better understand the transformative effects of CTE programs.

Account for Attrition in Your Evaluation Design

Attrition is a reality in many CTE programs, so it’s crucial to build evaluation measures that reflect progress, even when participants don’t complete the full program. Consider tracking the following:

• Milestones toward program completion.

• Course-level completion rates (e.g., percentage of students who finish individual courses).

• Endorsement or certification attainment.

  
  

These metrics can demonstrate early wins and incremental progress, offering valuable insights into program effectiveness even when full completion isn’t achieved. Understanding these dynamics allows us to refine our approaches and enhance program delivery.

The Importance of Continuous Improvement

In the realm of CTE, continuous improvement is essential. Evaluators should not only focus on what works but also on what can be improved. Regularly revisiting evaluation strategies ensures that they remain relevant and effective. This iterative process allows programs to adapt to changing needs and contexts.

Engaging Stakeholders in the Evaluation Process

Engaging stakeholders is vital for a successful evaluation. Involve educators, students, and community members in discussions about evaluation goals and methods. Their insights can provide valuable context and help tailor evaluations to meet specific needs. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and commitment to the evaluation process.

Utilizing Technology for Enhanced Data Collection

Advancements in technology offer new opportunities for data collection and analysis. Online surveys, mobile applications, and data management systems can streamline the evaluation process. By leveraging these tools, we can gather more comprehensive data and analyze it more efficiently. This not only saves time but also enhances the quality of insights derived from the evaluation.

Final Thoughts about Evaluating Career and Technical Education Programs

Effective evaluation of CTE programs requires a thoughtful and flexible approach that captures both the breadth and depth of program impact. By incorporating diverse outcome measures and planning for participant attrition, evaluators can build a more accurate and resilient picture of program success. Whether you're working with DoDEA, NACTEP, NSF, or other grant-funded initiatives, these strategies help ensure your evaluation reflects the real-world progress and potential of your CTE efforts.

Shaffer Evaluation Group is committed to helping programs tell their story through meaningful data. With the right tools and insights, your evaluation can do more than meet reporting requirements—it can illuminate the transformative power of CTE. Contact us today for a free 30-minute consultation.