Study on the Funding and Governance of Career Technical Education in Vermont
Prepared for the State of Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office in 2023
Augenblick, Palaich and Associates, Inc. (APA), with its partner National Center on Education and the Economy (NCEE) was contracted by the State of Vermont, Legislative Joint Fiscal Office in October 2022 to conduct a study on the funding and governance structures of career technical education (CTE) in Vermont, authorized by Act 127 of 2022, Section 17. This study included literature/document reviews, national and international CTE policy scans, stakeholder engagement, and data analysis.
The 50-state review of governance and funding policies found a variety of state approaches and that no single approach to either is most common. Governance structures are typically district-based, regional-based, or a mixed approach. Funding approaches include weighted funding or foundation formula, categorical funding, unit-based or resource-based funding, reimbursement, other, or no direct state CTE funding. States approach CTE governance and funding differently, and Vermont is unique in its approach.
During stakeholder engagement, the study team spoke directly to 140 people through interviews, focus groups and listening sessions, and had around 750 respondents to an online survey, including 260 students. Stakeholders generally felt positive about the responsiveness of their local CTE center to student and industry needs, but also identified barriers and disincentives to CTE participation that can lead to inequity.
High level data analysis examined the relationships between governance structures, performance, funding, and student participation in CTE in Vermont. Data analysis found no clear relationship between governance structures, performance, funding, and participation; instead, local decisions at individual centers and within their communities appear to shape student opportunities more significantly. Proximity to a CTE center also strongly correlates with student participation.