With the launch of the Kentucky Department of Education’s statewide initiative, “You Belong! Attendance Matters,” there’s no better time to spotlight the powerful role career and technical education (CTE) plays in combating chronic absenteeism.
CTE programs foster a strong sense of belonging by connecting students to real-world learning experiences, making academic content relevant through its ties to the workforce, and cultivating meaningful relationships with educators and peers. These elements are proven to increase student engagement, improve attendance and support both postsecondary and career readiness.
Chronic absenteeism is defined by KDE as missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason, which can quickly derail a student’s academic progress. That’s just two days per month, yet the consequences are significant: lower achievement, reduced graduation rates and fewer long-term opportunities. With nearly 1-in-3 of Kentucky's students affected, addressing absenteeism is a critical priority for schools, families and communities.
CTE is part of the solution. Students who complete just two courses within a single CTE pathway (known as a CTE concentrator) consistently graduate at higher rates than their peers. A 2025 study found that CTE concentrators not only had higher GPAs and ACT scores, but also significantly outperformed non-concentrators in graduation outcomes (Shoemaker, 2025).
Beyond technical training, CTE equips students with durable skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving through career and technical student organizations, work-based learning and apprenticeships. These experiences help students build confidence, purpose and a vision for their future.
CTE provides vibrant learning experiences in both trade and technical pathways, offering industry certifications and apprenticeship opportunities, and/or prepares students for postsecondary studies. Many pathways align with two-year and four-year degrees and even graduate-level opportunities, giving students a strong foundation for lifelong learning and career success.
With 13 program areas and 135 pathways, CTE is a vibrant tool that not only engages students in their learning, but also gives them the tools to be postsecondary and career ready in an ever-changing job market.
References
Shoemaker, M. (2025). The Impact of Career & Technical Education Concentration on the Success of High School Students. Journal of Career and Technical Education, 40(1).
Originally featured in the September edition of KDE's Career and Technical Education Newsletter
Written By John Paise