PACTESP was formed in 1977 with the following objectives:

• To serve as a unifying association for all personnel interested in or responsible for exploring and providing support services for career and technical education students with special needs
• To provide information to Association members about educational, legislative, and legal developments or other decisions which concern career and technical education students with special needs
• To provide leadership in legislative matters affecting career and technical education students with special needs
• To act as an advocate within the community for career and technical education students with special needs and for the education personnel who are working with these students
• To assist professional educators to become more aware of the concerns of career and technical education students with special needs and with personnel who are working with these students
• To develop a network of communication to enhance special needs program development throughout the state