Special Populations and CTE

In Career and Technical Education (CTE), special populations are those groups of students identified by the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (Perkins V) as needing targeted support to ensure equitable access and success in CTE programs.  The Recruiting and Supporting Special Populations in Career and Technical Education Toolkit was developed for use by Kansas school districts to meet this need. 

Here are the special populations defined under Perkins V:

1. Individuals with disabilities
2. Individuals from economically disadvantaged families, including low-income youth and adults
3. Individuals preparing for nontraditional fields (e.g., women in welding, men in nursing)
4. Single parents, including single pregnant women
5. Out-of-workforce individuals
6. English learners
7. Homeless individuals
8. Youth in or aged out of the foster care system
9. Youth with a parent on active duty in the armed forces

Resources

• CTE and Special Education Students---FAQ (PDF)
• Recruiting and Supporting Special Populations Toolkit (PDF)
• Special Populations in CTE (PDF)
• For more information, go to Methods of Administration (MOA) page.