Twitter icon
Facebook icon
LinkedIn icon
YouTube icon



This Week in CTE

June 16th, 2017

TWEET OF THE WEEK

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

By integrating classroom instruction and hands-on learning, both apprenticeships and CTE can enhance the high school experience and better prepare learners for future career success. Not to mention, secondary apprenticeships equip students with skills in high-demand career pathways, helping to strengthen the talent pool and close critical skills gaps.

A new report, Opportunities for Connecting Secondary Career and Technical Education Students and Apprenticeship Programs, commissioned by the U.S. Department of Education and prepared by Advance CTE with support from Jobs for the Future, Vivayic and RTI International, profiles eight secondary apprenticeship programs to identify strategies to connect CTE with apprenticeship programs. The report classifies each program as either an apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship and maps each by the degree of instructional alignment and program articulation.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE WEEK

The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program is conducting a survey to learn the perspectives of individuals focused on preparing young people ages 16- 24 for work. If you provide services to youth in this age range, complete this survey.

AWARD OF THE WEEK

On Monday, applications open to the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which includes over $500,000 awarded to 10 outstanding skilled trades teachers in American public high schools and the skilled trades programs in their schools.

Judges for the Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence will look for those programs that are led by a teacher who clearly loves the subject matter and is both highly knowledgeable and skilled; where the curriculum is matched to a relevant career pathway and future work choices, and is designed to flow seamlessly into next step options, whether to employment or college; that encourages exploration and experimentation among students in a safe environment; and that connects students to new relationships and worlds outside the classroom.

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Resources, News, Publications, Research, Resources | Comments Off on This Week in CTE

This Week in CTE

June 2nd, 2017

TWEET OF THE WEEK

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Can you imagine a world where all learners have the opportunity to realize their full potential and achieve career success? Check out our newest video, which demonstrates what the world would look like if all vision principles of Putting Learner Success First: A Shared Vision for the Future of CTE are put into action.Advance_CTE_5.16.17_Final_HD1080P

RESEARCH OF THE WEEK

New America released national survey data about perceptions of higher education. Some interesting findings:

  • 75 percent believe it is easier to be successful with a college degree than without
  • 64 percent believe that two year community colleges “are for people in my situation” (though this is virtually the same for public four-year colleges and universities)
  • More people (80%) believe that two year community colleges prepare people to be successful. This is higher than four-year public (77%) four-year private (75%) and for-profit (60%).
  • 82 percent believe two-year community colleges are worth the cost. This is higher than four-year public (61%) four-year private (43%) and for-profit (40%).
  • 83 percent believe two-year community colleges contribute to a strong workforce. This is higher than four-year public (79%) four-year private (70%) and for-profit (59%).

RESOURCE OF THE WEEK

Scholarships for Career or Technical Certificates or Degrees: The Horatio Alger CTE Scholarship program is pleased to announce it is now accepting applications for more than 1,000 awards of up to $2,500 each.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • Have completed high school (or earned a High School Equivalency credential) by Summer 2017
  • Will be enrolled in an eligible CTE program in Fall 2017
  • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a career or technical program at an accredited non-profit post-secondary institution in the United States
  • Demonstrated financial need (must be eligible to receive the Federal Pell grant as determined by completion of the FAFSA)
  • Demonstrated perseverance in overcoming adversity
  • Be under the age of 30
  • Be a United States citizen

Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books and supplies.  All scholarship funds are paid directly to the institution on behalf of the recipient.

More information can be found at: http://tinyurl.com/le9ovq2

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Resources, News, Publications, Research, Resources | Comments Off on This Week in CTE

New Resources to Help You Sell CTE to Parents and Students

June 2nd, 2017

In April, Advance CTE released a new report, “The Value and Promise of Career Technical Education: Findings from a National Survey of Parents and Students.” The report explores findings from a national survey to better understand parents and students attitudes about CTE, and how we can better ‘sell’ CTE to parents and students. The report findings include:

  • Finding a career passion was the most important critical selling point for parents and students (over 90 percent) – even surpassing having a career that pays well;
  • The vast majority of parents and students (85 percent) continue to value college as the post-high school aspiration;
  • Across the board, CTE programs are most valued for their ability to provide real-world skills within the education system, offering concrete and tangible benefits related to college and career success;
  • These findings were consistent across all socio-economic groups; and
  • Counselors, teachers and CTE students and alumni are among the most trusted sources of information for students and parents alike.

As part of this research, we have developed core messages to use with parents and students to encourage them to enroll in CTE programs in their communities. To help you use use these messages and this research, we’ve created a number of materials:

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Publications, Research, Resources | Comments Off on New Resources to Help You Sell CTE to Parents and Students

Hello from Advance CTE’s Newest Staff Member

March 30th, 2017

I’m Kathryn Zekus and I am excited to be on board at Advance CTE as the new Senior Associate for Federal Policy! I’ll be overseeing Advance CTE’s federal policy strategy, leading efforts to ensure Advance CTE’s priorities are represented in federal policies and ensuring all members are informed and supported through any policy changes.

My interest in federal policy began in Fall 2008, when I interned in the US Senate. From there, I went on to study political science and psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and discovered my passion for education policy through a government relations internship at the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Based on that experience, I decided that I wanted to learn more about education policy and dive into education research. This led me to Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education and Human Development, where I obtained my Master’s in Public Policy. Before joining Advance CTE, I worked at Achieve on science education and state-based advocacy efforts.

I became interested in CTE upon learning about the “skills gap” facing US businesses. As I began to learn more about business-education partnerships and how these collaborations benefited both students and businesses, I saw the potential for how high-quality CTE programs could not only help to close the skills gap, but lead to better outcomes for students, including improved engagement, graduation rates and more. I am excited to advocate for CTE because I view it as a key component to ensuring that all students are ready for their next steps after high school.

Kathryn Zekus, Senior Associate for Federal Policy

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements | Comments Off on Hello from Advance CTE’s Newest Staff Member

Hear from over 25 CTE leaders at the 2017 Advance CTE Spring Meeting

March 15th, 2017

Join us May 2 – 4, 2017 in Washington, D.C. four our annual Spring Meeting bringing together Career Technical Education (CTE) leaders from across the country for two and a half days of panels, breakout sessions and networking opportunities. This year’s meeting will feature over 25 leaders in CTE tackling issues from Perkins reauthorization to expanding access to CTE in rural communities.

As the new administration takes shape, it’s critical to stay up-to-date on how these changes may affect your state. This year’s meeting includes panels discussing timely topics such as:

  • Leveraging the Every Student Succeeds Act to Drive Career Readiness for All;
  • Reauthorizating the Higher Education Act; and
  • CTE and School Choice

Register Today! 

Not an Advance CTE Member? Become one today and save $175 on registration!

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Communications Associate 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Spring Meeting, News | Comments Off on Hear from over 25 CTE leaders at the 2017 Advance CTE Spring Meeting

Highlights from Advance CTE’s 2016 Annual Report

February 15th, 2017

Advance CTE is excited to release our 2016 Annual Report, sharing our major accomplishments, partnerships and initiatives from the last year.

There’s no question 2016 was an incredible year for the field and for our organization!

Just consider:

 

Some of our major highlights include:

  • Launching a new organizational rebrand – Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work
  • In partnership with the Council of Chief State School Officers and Education Strategy Group, and with support from JPMorgan Chase & Co.,  launching the New Skills for Youth initiative.
  • The U.S. House of Representatives passing a bill reauthorizing The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act.
  • Advance CTE directly engaging our members in all 50 states through our events, technical assistance and resources.

We hope you enjoy reading about Advance CTE’s major accomplishments of 2016, none of which could have been possible without our members, partners and the greater CTE community!

Kate Blosveren Kreamer, Deputy Executive Director

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Resources | Comments Off on Highlights from Advance CTE’s 2016 Annual Report

Explore major trends in student engagement at the 2017 Spring Meeting

February 14th, 2017

Advance CTE Keynote Will Explore Student Engagement

For years, Gallup has polled high school and college students, recent graduates and their parents to gauge their perceptions, aspirations and experiences within the U.S. education system. In this session, hear from Tim Hodges, Ph.D., Director of Research for Gallup’s Education Practice, as he leans on years of research to share what students, parents and employers want.

Early bird registration for the 2017 Spring Meeting ends in two weeks! Register today to save $100.

In case you missed it last week, we released an agenda packed with informative panels, engaging breakout sessions and impactful small-group discussions exploring the latest in federal policy and trends in CTE. Register today to save $100 on your registration!

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Communications Associate 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Spring Meeting | Comments Off on Explore major trends in student engagement at the 2017 Spring Meeting

THIS WEEK IN CTE: CTE MONTH!

February 3rd, 2017

Happy CTE Month! This month we are celebrating the best of Career Technical Education (CTE). We’ll be taking part in Twitter chats, advocating for CTE on Capitol Hill, exploring model programs, and lifting up fantastic work happening at the national, state and local level throughout the month. If you haven’t already, email Katie at [email protected] to let us know how your community is celebrating CTE in February.

RESOURCE(S) OF THE WEEK

Wondering how to get involved in CTE Month? Check out our CTE Month page for some quick ideas on where to start and some state and local examples from last year, then head over to the Association for Career and Technical Education’s CTE Month page and you’ll find the official CTE Month logo, a sample CTE Month proclamation, tips on hosting a school site visit for policymakers, and a number of additional resources.

ARTICLE(S) OF THE WEEK

Wanted: Factory Workers, Degree Required, New York Times

Career and Technical Education Advocates Pushing for Changes Under Trump, Education Week

Why Apprenticeships are Taking Off, City Lab

The Increasing Value of Technical Education in Chicago, Chicago Business Journal

TWEET(S) OF THE WEEK 

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Resources, News | Comments Off on THIS WEEK IN CTE: CTE MONTH!

2017 School Counselor of the Year will Keynote Advance CTE Spring Meeting

February 2nd, 2017

We’re proud to announce the keynote speaker for this year’s meeting: Terri Tchorzynski, the 2017 School Counselor of the Year!

Tchorzynski is a school counselor at the Calhoun Area Career Center in BattleCreek, Michigan, where she and her fellow counselors use the power of data to identify interventions and support students’ social-emotional health, college and career readiness preparation, and academics. Tchorzynski’s remarks will focus on the importance of school counselors and bring some insights into counseling CTE students.

The School Counselor of the Year program is presented by the American School Counselor Association, and finalists are chosen based on creative school counseling innovations, effective programs, leadership skills and contributions to student advancement.

Or hear from one of her former students – now a graduate of the Culinary Institute of Michigan – in her own words.

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Spring Meeting, Meetings and Events | Comments Off on 2017 School Counselor of the Year will Keynote Advance CTE Spring Meeting

New Putting Learner Success First Resources

January 31st, 2017

As the first month of the New Year comes to a close, we’re excited to share a new resource and new supporter of Putting Learner Success First: A Shared Vision for the Future of CTE!

In partnership with the National Council of State Directors of Community Colleges, we released a new paper on why this vision is critical to postsecondary leaders. Postsecondary leaders are important partners in the CTE system, providing high-quality CTE programs that arm learners with a range of credentials from a short-term certificate to an advanced degree. Learn more about how postsecondary leaders can get involved here. Also, learn more about how state leaders and educators can support Putting Learner Success First on our resources page.

Additionally, we’re thrilled to have National FFA join the growing list of vision supporters. Learn more about why they chose to support this important work here.

Wondering how you can get involved? Join the nearly 40 states who have signed on to our Putting Learner Success First sign-on campaign, and let us know how you plan to put this shared vision for CTE into action.

Katie Fitzgerald, Senior Associate, Communications 

Posted in Advance CTE Announcements, Advance CTE Resources | Comments Off on New Putting Learner Success First Resources

« Older Entries
Newer Entries »

 

Series

Archives

1