KSDE Weekly

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KSDE Insight Podcast – Career and Technical Education: What It Really Looks Like Today

As we celebrate career and technical education (CTE) month in February, Kansas Education Commissioner Dr. Randy Watson talks with education leaders about how CTE helps students prepare for life after high school in this month’s episode of the KSDE Insight Podcast.

Dr. Watson’s guests are Natalie Clark, KSDE assistant director of career, standards and assessment services, and Dr. Lindsay King, director of college and career readiness for Maize USD 266. This conversation highlights how CTE supports students during high school, improves postsecondary outcomes, and strengthens Kansas communities through partnerships with local industries. Clark and King also address common misconceptions about CTE, explain how today’s programs differ from vocational education of the past, and share how students can get involved through coursework and career-focused student organizations.  

The current episode is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube, and gives parents a clearer picture of how CTE can help students discover their strengths, explore future careers, and graduate ready for college, training, or the workforce. 

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Posted: Feb 12, 2026,
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