; the average graduation rate for these students is 93 percent, as compared to the national average of 82 percent. (6) Career and technical education programs help students obtain industry relevant academic instruction that allows them to explore career possibilities, acquire real-world skills, gain opportunities to earn college credit through dual enrollment, and earn industry-recognized credentials. (7) Evidence suggests that school counselors and teachers are trusted sources of information about career and technical education. For example, a national study by Advance CTE shows that 82 percent of prospective parents and 84 percent of prospective students trust and want to hear from school counselors regarding career and technical education, and that 79 percent of parents and 83 percent of students trust teachers to provide such information. School counselors and teachers are therefore well positioned to engage students and parents early about the range of education and career opportunities. (8) Reports suggest that additional research on career and technical education is needed, in particular, on the effectiveness of different delivery systems and approaches to career and technical education. Such research will help guide the development of new career and technical education programs and the improvement of existing ones, enhancing education and career outcomes for students and expanding the skilled and competent workforce that is critical to our Nation’s long term economic success and competitiveness. 3. Career and technical education research and outreach Section 114(d)(4)(A)(i) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 ( 20 U.S.C. 2324(d)(4)(A)(i) ) is amended— (1) in subclause (IV), by striking and after the semicolon; (2) in subclause (V)(bb), by inserting and after the semicolon