Academic and occupational data collected by the Bureau of Career and Technical Education (BCTE) serve as the basis for the Technical Assistance Program.  BCTE has identified and ranked the performance levels of all CTCs, both full-time and part-time, based on career and technical education students’ achievement in three core performance indicators – PSSA Reading, PSSA Math and End of Program Occupational Assessment/NOCTI.   The type and level of technical assistance necessary to improve student achievement will be determined by BCTE.   Technical assistance teams may consist of one or more members, depending on the nature of the targeted assistance.   Assistance may be provided by BCTE and/or other PDE staff or it may be provided through the services of a Career and Technical Distinguished School Leader (CTDSL). 

The CTDSL will work as part of a school’s team to assist in identifying systemic or instructional barriers to improving achievement.  The role of the CTDSL is flexible in its implementation according to the perceived needs of a school and will work closely with the Director and team members.  Ultimately, the goal is to identify and overcome barriers and gaps so that students can experience more success with the PSSA math and reading achievement and the NOCTI or end of program occupational assessment.  All CTDSLs have had experience as a CTE administrator and have demonstrated results in student achievement from their own leadership experience.

Through the Technical Assistance Program, schools can make significant changes that focus on student achievement through the shared responsibility of the CTC and participating school districts.