CTSOs are not "clubs" to which only a few career and technical students belong. Rather, a CTSO is a powerful instructional tool that works best when integrated into the career and technical curriculum and classroom by an instructor who is committed to the development of the total person. Career and technical educators recognize the importance of providing students with job- and career-related training that complements the job-specific skills needed for entry into a particular field.
CTSOs are extremely effective as "instructional tools" when used properly by trained career and technical educators. CTSO activities are integral to career and technical education when they:
- provide instructional strategies used to develop, improve and expand occupational competencies related to a particular career and technical subject matter
- are an extension of the classroom/laboratory instructional program that enriches and enhances classroom/laboratory learning
- present organized activities for students to gain personal and leadership skills making them more employable, preparing them to become productive citizens, and assisting them in assuming positive roles in the home and community.
CTE Student Organization Resources
This page contains several CTSO resources and activities. Among them are the CTSO Guidelines local chapters, the CTSO Travel Safety Guide, the CTSO Medical Release form, the CTSO Advisor/Chaperone Consent form, a presentation describing the role of CTSO's in education entitled "Utilizing CTSOs," the CTSO Guidelines for state staff, and Unite to Read.