Despite the fact that a majority of urban educators remain optimistic about the future of city schools, urban high schools face significant challenges. Many recent developments in high school reform have important implications for career and technical education (CTE) programs in urban high schools. Publications on reforming secondary education contain recommendations about ways that urban educators can meet the unique challenges facing their schools. The following are among these recommendations: (1) create small communities for learning; (2) contextualize teaching and learning; (3) immerse students in the adult world; (4) maintain high standards; (5) provide options for further education and training; (6) connect and collaborate; (7) use different forms of assessment; and (8) provide for professional development. Strong connections exist between CTE and the current recommendations for high school reform. CTE practitioners in urban areas can use the current reform efforts to their advantage in the following ways: (1) supporting small learning communities with a career focus; (2) using contextual, project-based teaching and learning; (3) clearly articulating CTE outcomes and linking them to existing standards; (4) providing strong pathways to postsecondary education and further training; and (5) connecting to the community. (Contains 12 references.) (MN)