What is a CTSO?
CTSO stands for career and technical student organization. CTSOs serve career and technical education students throughout the United States. The following are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education:
- SkillsUSA
- FCCLA
- DECA
- FBLA
- HOSA
- National Postsecondary Agriculture Student Organization—
- National PAS Organization
- National Young Farmer Educational Association (NYFEA)
- Technology Student Association (TSA)
After completion of their career training, graduates enter a highly competitive labor market. Success will be enjoyed most by those who possess the competitive edge that participation in a CTSO provides.
When implemented properly, a CTSO can be a positive force for:
a. increasing program enrollments;
b. gaining maximum program visibility;
c. involving employers;
d. securing commitment of vital support groups;
e. motivating career and technical students and instructors to higher
levels of personal and group performance;
f. recognizing excellence; and
g. providing the means by which personal and career goals become
realities for career and technical students.
By providing a leadership lab (chapter) in which students can develop,
practice and refine skills that distinguish them from others in the
work force, the career and technical classroom and curriculum can be
energized. The mission of career and technical education and career and
technical student organizations is to provide students with the very best
preparation available to enhance their job performance and competitiveness in their chosen profession. Students who are not “leadership ready” may not be as valuable in tomorrow’s work force. By fully integrating the career and technical student organization into the classroom and curriculum, career and technical programs are able to provide students with the edge needed to be adaptable, innovative and competitive in the workforce.
Policy of the United States
Department of Education
For Vocational Education Student Organizations
The United States Department of Education maintains a close relationship with ten career and technical student organizations and welcomes their cooperation and support in strengthening programs of career and technical
education. Recognizing that the past performance and future potential of these ten organizations are compatible with the overall purposes and objectives of education today, the United States Department of Education strongly endorses their objectives and seeks to involve their thinking in the improvement of career and technical education. In view of this, these policies represent the position of the United States Department of Education:
1. The United States Department of Education recognizes the educational programs and philosophies embraced by the following career and technical student organizations as being an integral part of career and technical education instructional programs:
? Business Professionals of America
? DECA
? Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
? Future Business Leaders of America—Phi Beta Lamda
? National FFA Organization
? Health Occupations Students of America
? National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization
? National Young Farmer Educational Association
? SkillsUSA
? Technology Student Association
2. The United States Department of Education recognizes the concept of total student development as being necessary for all career and technical education students to assume successful roles in society and to enter the labor market.
3. The United States Department of Education will facilitate technical and supportive services to assist career and technical student organizations through State agencies in their efforts to improve the quality and relevance of instruction, develop student leadership, enhance citizenship responsibilities, overcome sex and race discrimination and stereotyping, and serve students of special populations.
4. The United States Department of Education recognizes the responsibility for career and technical instructional programs and related activities, including career and technical student organizations, rests with the State and local education agencies.
5. The United States Department of Education approves of Federal and State grant funds for vocational technical education to be used by the States to give leadership and support to these career and technical
student organizations and activities directly related to established career and technical education instructional programs at all levels under provisions of approved State plans for career and technical
education.
Efforts on the part of state and local education agencies to recognize and encourage the growth and development of these career and technical student organizations are highly important and deserve the support of all leaders in American Education.
