Parental Perception of Technology Education and How Parental Perceptions Affect Enrollment in Elective Technology Education Classes

Abstract

Currently there is a critical need for technically skilled workers in the United States. One of the best ways to receive training and information related to technically related careers is through enrollment in Career and Technical Education courses, technology education being included in CTE programming. Despite the large number of technically related job openings, and enrollment in CTE classes being the gateway to these careers, the number of students enrolling in CTE classes is in decline. The purpose of this study is to identify parental perceptions relating to technology education classes and how those perceptions may influence the elective courses within the technology education department their child enrolls in. The study also determined relationships between perception of technology education and other demographic factors. The study found that parents of 10th grade students within West DePere High School do not perceive technology education to be limited to a single post-secondary option. The study also found that technology education classes are perceived to have the same rigor as core academic classes such as Math and Science. The study also provided suggestions to improve enrollment within the technology education department.