Jefferson City News

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), together with the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (DHEWD), has submitted an executive report to the Governor’s Office outlining recommendations for improving career and technical education (CTE) in the state. This action follows Executive Order 25-16, issued by Governor Kehoe on January 28, 2025, which tasked DESE, with DHEWD as a principal partner, to engage stakeholders and review CTE delivery systems.

The report details a four-month process during which DESE and DHEWD gathered input from students, parents, educators, and business leaders. A CTE perceptions survey conducted as part of this effort received responses from 5,650 participants. The main areas identified for improvement include strengthening work-based learning opportunities, increasing employer engagement in workforce development initiatives, expanding early career exploration programs along with school counseling services, and enhancing communication strategies to promote CTE programs.

Commissioner of Education Dr. Karla Eslinger stated: “This work will result in a significant step forward, so that all students have a chance to find their path to success. Our goal is to bridge the gap between secondary programs and the workforce. These recommendations will lead to growth in Missouri’s economy by closing critical workforce gaps and creating a talented pipeline of skilled workers.”

DESE plans to submit annual progress reports through 2028 to the Governor's Office. These updates will summarize actions taken over the previous year, assess progress toward goals set out in Executive Order 25-16, incorporate feedback from external stakeholders, and offer further policy recommendations.