Posts Tagged ‘Excellence in Action Awards’

Excellence in Action Spotlighting: A&M Consolidated High School, Information Technology Program

Tuesday, September 18th, 2018

Imagine how you would complete your work each day without technology. Today is a good day to thank the people who keep those systems running smoothly. It’s Information Technology (IT) professionals day or #ITProDay! The third Tuesday in September is a day to celebrate system administrators, network engineers, information security professionals, developers, IT support technicians and more. To honor this day, we are highlighting the Information Technology program of study in College Station, Texas.

A&M Consolidated High School has provided IT Career Technical Education (CTE) programs for nearly four decades. It began as a computer programming course and has transformed into a robust IT program of study designed to provide students with a rigorous academic foundation. Learners gain skills in areas including computer hardware, software, coding, networking and cybersecurity.

This year, the program received the annual Excellence in Action award in the Information Technology Career Cluster®. The program was one of 11 recognized for providing clear pathways into college and careers, rigorous academic and technical coursework, strong industry partnerships, and effective work-based learning experiences that offer opportunities for career exploration and subject-matter mastery.

Over the summer break, learners competed in the 53rd Annual SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Students in their chapter were awarded first place in the Career Pathway Showcase in Information Technology and second place in Cyber Security Demonstration. Read more about all of their accomplishments at this event here.

In addition to winning competitions, learners spend a significant amount of time giving back to their community. The program was awarded a $25,000 grant to work with industry partners to install a network and security infrastructure in an elementary school converted to temporary housing for homeless families. They have even earned recognition from the President of the United States for their commitment to volunteer service by completing a minimum of 1,000 hours of service over a 12-month time period.

In addition to a strong commitment to community service, learners also host events such as video game tournaments where students apply their skills in systems networking, live stream technology, cybersecurity and customer service.

Learn more about the Information Technology program at A&M Consolidated High School and our 2018 award winners.

Nicole Howard, Communications Associate

By admin in Uncategorized
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Unpacking Putting Learner Success First: Committing to Program Quality

Thursday, June 29th, 2017

A little over one year ago, Advance CTE launched Putting Learner Success First: A Shared Vision for the Future of CTE. This document, which was developed using input from a broad array of stakeholders, calls for a systematic transformation of the education system grounded in five principles. This blog series will dive into each principle, detailing the goals and progress made in each area.

For more resources related to Putting Learner Success First, including state and local self-assessments, check out our Vision Resources page.

All CTE programs are held to the highest standards of excellence

This first principle of Putting Learner Success First is a topic that has been an area of focus for many states for a while now. Many states and districts have worked to improve program quality, though the country still lacks an agreed-upon, detailed definition of high-quality for all programs of study. More work is needed from all stakeholders to ensure that all learners have access to excellent programs, no matter their zip code.

Those who have signed onto the principle have committed to accomplishing this objective through the following actions:

Since the launch of Putting Learner Success First, Advance CTE has been conducting research and policy scans to raise up examples and promising practices related to this principle. Now, when state leaders put their commitment to quality into action, they have access to multiple resources related to program approval, program evaluation and academic and CTE standards integration.

Principle in Action

Relevant Resources

Upcoming Resource

Ashleigh McFadden, State Policy Manager

By admin in Advance CTE Resources, Resources
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Henderson County High School Honored at the White House

Tuesday, July 7th, 2015

Last week, the White House hosted the Celebrating Innovations in Career and Technical Education (CTE) event IMG_0349-300x199honoring students, educators and administrators who excel in CTE. The event followed President Barack Obama’s announcement expanding the U.S. Presidential Scholars program to include awards in CTE. The day included remarks from the First Lady, and a ceremony honoring award winners. One of these award recipients was 2015 Excellence in Action awardee in the Human Services Career Cluster, Henderson County High School in Henderson, Kentucky. Emily West, coordinator of the Early Childhood Education program, represented the school at the White House.

“My experience at the White House was very rewarding and humbling. I was extremely honored to be able to listen to two panels of CTE experts from around the country discuss the importance of CTE as well as hearing the First Lady speak,” said West. “What stood out to me the most was the underlying message that CTE is considered of high importance in our nation and was seen as needed in every high school nationwide!”

In addition to reiterating the importance of CTE, West highlighted the importance of Family and Consumer Sciences and its inclusion in the CTE world. “This recognition not only acknowledged Henderson County High School but also the outstanding Early Childhood Education program and the program’s future,” said West. “I am hoping that this recognition will help increase the number of students interested in the program as well as to give students an increased opportunity for future job placements.”

The Early Childhood Education program provides students with the opportunity to earn certifications, up to nine college credits and requires an impressive 180 hours of work-based learning. A dedication to a rigorous curriculum, strong partnerships and  stellar work-based learning opportunities has resulted in 100 percent of students graduating high school, and 68 percent enrolling in postsecondary education. Read more about Henderson County High School’s Early Childhood Education program here.

Katie Fitzgerald, Communications Associate 

By admin in Meetings and Events
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