Analysis of U.S. Elementary Career and Technical Education Standards

This study analyzed the Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards for grades K-5 in the United States by exploring their structure and content. The results will inform the development of Korea's elementary technology education standards. The results are as follows. First, six states in the United States have K-5 (or PK-5) CTE standards, with contents related to elementary technology education, such as problem-solving, technology use, invention, and innovation. Second, the modular structure of Wisconsin’s CTE standards is worth considering from a structural standpoint and can serve as a model for creating new standards. Third, two key characteristics were identified regarding the content of the standards. First, CTE standards cover kindergarten through 5th grade, while Korea lacks standards for CTE, or technology education, at the kindergarten level. Second, the CTE standards in the USA include environment, health, safety, and the impact of technology, aspects not given the same level of emphasis in Korea. The results carry several implications. First, Korea should consider developing a common standard structure at the national level to connect curricula across subjects. Second, it is necessary to ensure diversity in the content of elementary level technology education standards in Korea. Third, there is a need to develop flexible standards that can accommodate changes in workforce and society.