Wednesday, September 9, 2020
As educators, we know that Career and Technical Education programs are not “extras” when it comes to our students. On the contrary, students who complete career pathways graduate with extraordinary achievements that transition them smoothly and successfully into young adult life, be it college, directly into the workforce, or both! So how can we cultivate a more accurate perception of CTE with our communities, our administrators, as well as with the people who have arguably the greatest influence on today’s students—their parents?
You have tremendous influence over how CTE is perceived, whether your quality career pathways are supported by a team of teachers or you are the only educator for a pathway in a small district. Let’s explore four ways to build a greater understanding of your CTE program.
CTE is for ALL students. First, start with your belief system. When you believe your program is for all learners (and families), it positively affects how you market, recruit, and design curriculum that supports the diversity of your students’ needs. By creating an inclusive environment, learners are able to develop a sense of belonging and see themselves within a career pathway. This radiates out to the people they know--most importantly, their parents.
Focus on quality. Next, evaluate your program offerings and the career pathways you teach. Does each pathway support all five components of a quality career pathway, including a sequence of course, work-based learning options, industry-recognized credentials, dual credit opportunities, and CTSOs? If not, how can you develop those areas? If it does support all five components, which areas need improvement or can be expanded so more students can access them?
Increase pathway completers. Student achievement speaks for itself. Are your learners completing work-based learning experiences, earning industry-recognized credentials, and gaining service learning, leadership and competitive skills in your career and technical student organizations? Make a habit of working with your CTE team and district leaders to review program data and engage in continuous improvement around quality CTE.
Promote the program and learner achievements to stakeholders. Here is just one of the many ways to build excitement: Consider holding parent orientation meetings and celebrations to showcase the components of your pathway program and learner success. Invite your district administrators, local legislators, and other current or prospective community partners to see it firsthand. Be intentional within your curriculum to leverage your students’ skills to communicate their achievements with district leadership, parents, and potential partners.
At a certain point, the program promotes itself. You will naturally garner support for program development and expansion from enthusiastic parents, community members, and administrators. Be innovative and seek out opportunities to showcase the good things happening, no matter how big or small they may seem.
Apply one, or better yet, all these strategies to build your fan base. As an educator, embrace the power you have to influence your program area and cultivate the accurate perception that CTE is essential learning for all students!
—Christina Patrin, Health Science Education Consultant and HOSA State Advisor, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction