An Introduction to Career and Technical Education in Metro Nashville Public Schools

Career and Technical Education (CTE) emerged in the early 20th century as a response to industrialization and the need for a skilled workforce.

Over the past century, it has evolved to meet the needs of a changing economy, blending academic instruction with hands-on learning. In the United States, investments through the Smith-Hughes National Vocational Education Act of 1917 and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 1984 (which has since been reauthorized multiple times), helped align educational programs with labor market needs, providing high-quality career pathways for generations of students. The Education Report Committee’s decision to focus on this topic reflects both the committee’s recognition of the Academies of Nashville model as a national leader in preparing students for college and career, while understanding the importance of evolving the model to ensure program relevance, access, and sustainability while meeting Nashville’s rapidly changing workforce needs.

As the national landscape of future careers evolves, education programs must adapt to meet changing demands.

To provide pathways that best prepare students with the skills and knowledge to pursue these opportunities, CTE programs must be accessible and sustainable. CTE programs take many different forms and are delivered at a variety of institutions across the country including CTE-dedicated high schools, middle schools, magnet schools, community and technical colleges, and some four-year universities. Students involved in these programs can earn industry certifications and licenses, post-secondary certificates, associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, and advanced degrees. CTE programs prepare students for the workforce across a wide range of industries and occupations.

This report will examine CTE within Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), which is embedded within the Academies of Nashville in MNPS’s 12 zoned high schools.

MNPS has garnered international recognition for its innovative Academies of Nashville transformational high school model and forward-thinking approach to CTE. Twice a year, Nashville Hub, a program of Alignment Nashville, hosts educators and leaders from around the world for Academies of Nashville study visits, with over 7,000 participants from 44 states and three countries to date. This reputation as a pioneer in CTE positions MNPS as a leader in preparing students for both college and career success, solidifying its place as an educational innovator.

Transforming Education: The Academies of Nashville Model

In 2005, concerned by a low graduation rate, MNPS began working closely with business leaders to revamp education in its high schools. The result was a transformation of traditional high schools into academies, or smaller “schools within schools” tailored to offer students a personalized and consistent educational experience.

An Introduction to Career and Technical Education in Metro Nashville Public Schools

Transforming Education: The Academies of Nashville Model

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