Applied Technology Education — the words are becoming passe in the vernacular of higher education officials throughout the country.
Utah is catching up by getting rid of the words in favor of Career and Technical Education.
Utah Commissioner of Higher Education Richard Kendell will notify the State Board of Regents at its Aug. 12 meeting of the change.
Among the reasons for the lexicological shift Kendell states in a July 30 memorandum to regents is that "technical" is more "modern and progressive" terminology and that the word "applied" is seen as a "negative" term.
Outside of what the words imply, the change has taken place across the country because national organizations, the U.S. Department of Education and Congress have all switched to the new phraseology. The name American Vocational Association, for example, has changed its name to the Association for Career and Technical Education.
Here in Utah, the change from ATE to CTE will affect the nine-campus Utah College of Applied Technology with its related professional and student organizations. There are no immediate plans to change the name of the college.