What’s Happening in CTE?

It was about a year ago at this time that I found myself adjusting to the thought of not only a new position within our district, but a whole new world within education.  If I only knew then what I know now!
 
For the sake of context… I was a high school German teacher for five years, then a building administrator for nine years, and then a district-level administrator for three years.  The closest I ever came in those 18 years to Career and Technical Education (CTE) was as a building administrator, but my level of understanding of the depth and importance of these program areas was limited at best.  Additionally, it is safe to say that I was blissfully unaware of the workforce needs that currently exist within our region or the amazing opportunities our students have to gain valuable knowledge and skills that don’t require a four year degree (I recently came upon this MPR article that speaks directly to this very issue).
 
Fast forward one year and I count myself lucky to have been selected to work not only with our outstanding CTE instructors, but with a growing group of business and industry partners committed to the success of our CTE programs.  As the cherry on top, I get to work each and every day in a facility that serves as a statewide model for innovation and collaboration within CTE.  This school year alone we have facilitated over 30 tours of CTECH, from middle and high school student groups to statewide CTE administrators and other Minnesota and Wisconsin school districts looking to replicate what our community has created for our students.

Here is just a taste of the opportunities our students have within RPS career pathways:

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​Agriculture
​Students can take coursework in both plant and animal science as well as biotechnology.  Plus, in 2018-2019 RPS will be offering a second level Veterinary Studies course designed to prepare students for an entry-level position in a vet hospital and to take the certification exam for veterinary assistant.

​Automotive
Our students have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with basic engine systems, auto repair and technology, as well as in-depth vehicle repair.  Just last week students visited the Minnesota Department of Transportation to learn about transportation careers and earlier this year, as a result of a teacher externship with a generous business partner, several automotive students received job offers as well as post-secondary scholarships.

​Business
Courses offered focus on both finance and marketing, including a Sports and Entertainment Marketing course.  As a capstone course, students can enroll in Entrepreneurial Strategies, working directly with industry partners to solve real-world business challenges.

Computer Science and Information Technology 
Students have the opportunity to take coursework related to both programming as well as infrastructure.  Newly added are courses that allow students to earn concurrent enrollment college credit in Mobile App Development and Java Script.

Construction
RPS Construction students complete their coursework alongside post-secondary students in the RCTC carpentry lab, accessing two levels of coursework focused on residential construction. Currently our construction students are working on-site at Mayo High School to complete a shed construction project.

Engineering 
Available courses cover the areas of Robotics, Civil Engineering, and Architecture and culminate in a capstone course where students engage in a comprehensive research and design project.  In 2018-2019 we will be introducing an Apprenticeship with a national engineering firm that will provide a first-of-its-kind learning opportunity for a small cohort of students.

Health Sciences 
Effectively our first official career pathway, existing for nearly 20 years, Health Sciences offers students the opportunity to study Medical Lab Science, Pharmacy Technician, Therapeutic Medicine, and Certified Nursing Assistant.  We are currently exploring the addition of a course in Phlebotomy in partnership with the Mayo Clinic where over 400 phlebotomists are employed in Rochester alone.

Hospitality 
​Student interested in Culinary Arts have the opportunity to take a menu of courses the expose them to international cooking, commercial culinary skills, baking, as well as employment in the restaurant industry.  Starting in 2018-2019 students at the capstone level will have the opportunity to complete ServSafe certification, required by most restaurants as a basic credential for restaurant management staff.

Manufacturing
Two distinct pathways exist within the manufacturing program, Welding Technology and Machine Technology.  In machine technology students work closely with CNC mill and lathe machining while welding students learn and work with multiple forms welding.  Students who complete both levels of welding are eligible for a tuition credit through RCTC for their one semester welding certification program.

​Teaching 
Through the University of Minnesota’s College in the Schools program, we now offer two courses for students interested in becoming teachers.  These courses are a combination of classroom as well as practicum experiences within RPS schools and programs.

In addition to those opportunities listed above, here are a few of the conversations that are currently  happening as we look to expand our career pathway opportunities for our students:

• Gage Elementary Community Schools Collaboration – connecting students in grades K-5 with career pathways through enhanced curriculum, CTECH visits, and business and industry guest speakers.
• Aviation Collaboration – discussions with RCTC, Rochester International Airport, and private flight instruction partners on a secondary > post-secondary > workforce pathway.
• Post-secondary Scholarships – working closely with RCTC to increase student opportunities to earn credit and/or tuition credits for work completed in high school.
• Mayo Clinic Partnership – exploring opportunities for students in Health Science Careers to transition from RPS coursework into Mayo Clinic job-specific programs such as Phlebotomists and Pharmacy Technicians.
• Core Content – an ongoing goal of eventually providing CTE students with the opportunity to earn core content credit as part of a career pathway.

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I fully acknowledge that my blog post comes across as an advertisement for the CTE pathways and CTECH, but I believe that when we find and experience something as powerful and meaningful as I have this year it only makes sense to share it with others.  I would strongly encourage anyone who hasn’t previously had the opportunity to see firsthand our CTE facilities to reach out and schedule a tour.  It is truly amazing what our students are doing on a daily basis and I look forward to seeing what they do in the future.

This post brought to you by Brandon Macrafic, POSA focusing on Career & College Readiness and administrator at CTECH