CTE is a broad term for education that combines academic and technical skills with the knowledge and training needed mto succeed in today’s labor market. CTE prepares students for the world of work by introducing them to workplace competencies in a real-world, applied context. CTE programs cover health sciences, engineering, entrepreneurship, computer science, sustainable agriculture, theater arts production, media, culinary arts, and many other fields. (Ed Northwest)

Career Pathway programs help high school students gain secondary and postsecondary education, training, and support services while they acquire marketable skills, industry-recognized credentials, and eventually good jobs. Career pathway systems combine rigorous academics with workplace experience using the latest technologies.

Career Academies are organized around such themes as health sciences, law, business and finance, and engineering. Typically, academy students take classes together, remain with the same group of teachers over time, follow a curriculum that includes rigorous academic courses as well as career-oriented courses, and participate in WBL activities. (MDRC)

WBL experiences allow students to explore their career goals, abilities, and interests while applying their academic and technical knowledge and skills in a real-world context. These experiences are planned and supervised by instructional staff in
collaboration with business, industry, or community partners.

• Early WBL typically happens in a school or educational setting such as guest speakers, career fairs, career days, real-world
  project-based learning.
• Intermediate WBL typically happens at a worksite including, worksite tours or field trips, job shadows, and informational
  interviews.
• More advanced WBL also takes place at a workplace and typically is for credit or payment such as service learning,
  internships, and pre-apprenticeships.

See also: JFF’s WBL Framework

A credential is a documented award by a responsible and authorized body that attests that an individual has achieved specific learning outcomes or attained a defined level of knowledge or skill relative to a given standard. Credential is often viewed as
an umbrella term that includes degrees, diplomas, licenses, certificates, badges, and professional and industry certifications.

Some do not include degrees within the term, credentials, creating confusion as to whether degrees are credentials.

The qualifications that are required for acceptance into a postsecondary/training program, (e.g., age, background check, high
school course prerequisites, immunizations).

Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, loans, and part-time employment from federal, state, institutional and private sources. These types of aid are combined to create an “award package.” The types and amounts of aid you receive are determined by financial need, available funds, student classification, academic performance, and sometimes the timeliness of your application.

Student loan debt money borrowed to pay for education expenses including tuition, fees, books, supplies, room and board, etc.

Self-directed learning is a learning method whereby the student takes initiative for learning. This includes activities such as selecting, managing, and assessing their own learning activities. Teachers provide advice, direction, and resources to support the student while peers provide collaboration.

Asynchronous learning occurs when classes run on a more relaxed schedule, with some students accessing class materials during different hours, that works best for them, and from different locations.

Synchronous learning occurs when classes are held in real time, with students and instructors attending together from different locations.