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Spring Meeting Recap: Federal Career Pathways Initiatives

April 19th, 2013

Earlier this week, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) held its annual Spring Meeting where during one  session, participants heard updates on three national programs that are aiming to better coordinate and strengthen career pathways systems across states. Importantly, all of the presenters expressed an appreciation for each other’s efforts and noted that there was a lot of coordination across the projects.

Mary Clagett of Jobs for the Future discussed Advancing Career and Technical Education (CTE) in State and Local Career Pathways Systems, which is a federally-funded program working with a cohort of states to support, coordinate, and develop non-duplicative education and training programs that will help build skills among low skilled adults. The focus of the initial research and ongoing technical assistance in states is on identifying the most impactful programmatic and policy solutions to building and maintaining a strong career pathway system.

Similarly, the Alliance for Quality Career Pathways, coordinated by the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), is focused on supporting pathways for adults and disconnected youths. As described by Vickie Choitz of CLASP, the primary focus of the Alliance is developing a framework of quality criteria and indicators and a shared set of performance metrics to help align CTE programs of study, high school to college transitions, and adult career pathway across state. The framework will be customizable for states and include a self-assessment tool to ensure the framework is best meeting states’ needs. Ten states are currently participating in the Alliance.

Finally, participants learned more about CORD’s professional development and curriculum support for Adult Career Pathways. Hope Cotner of CORD talked about efforts of states, districts and institutions of higher education to design instruction to support career pathways and learning for students of all ages. You can download her presentation here.

During the discussion and Q&A period, participants again raised the issue of ensuring the federal government, national initiatives, states, and localities in using common definitions and language when using some common phrases as “career pathways” and “programs of study.”

Kate Blosveren, Associate Executive Director

 

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Spring Meeting Recap: What is Career Readiness?

April 19th, 2013

Earlier this week, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) held its annual Spring Meeting, where the notion of ‘career readiness’ was front and center. One session squarely focused on the work of the Career Readiness Partnership Council (CRPC) in convening a broad group of partners to develop a common definition of Career Readiness (which can be found at www.careerreadynow.org) and potential next steps for the partnership and the definition itself.

The urgency behind the CRPC and the development of a common understanding of what career readiness was driven by a number of factors, and Patrick Ainsworth, who coordinated much of the work of the CRPC pointed out a few: the ongoing development of the Common Core Technical Core, the widespread adoption of the college- and career-ready Common Core State Standards (which cover only the academic foundation of career readiness), and the lack of understanding of what career readiness means and looks like across the nation. The CRPC, therefore, aimed to create a “north star” for each of the participating organizations around career readiness to help guide and drive policy and practice.

The other two panelists, representing partnership organizations, each discussed what compelled them to join the CRPC and what the definition will mean for them moving ahead. Martin Simon of the National Governors’ Association described how governors are concerned not only about the skills gap but also the coordination gap between educators and workforce investment boards. He discussed the need for a more comprehensive system to better link education, training and workforce needs that will build career pathways, not just training for jobs. About half of all governors discussed career pathways or Career and Technical Education (CTE) in their 2013 state of the state addresses, demonstrating they not only care about these issues but consider them to be priorities.

Andrew Moore from the National League of Cities described the unique role mayors can play in connecting and convening the education and business communities. Mayors are deeply concerned about the skills gap and the extremely high unemployment rates among teenagers.

After the panelists’ remarks, the participants were asked how they might use the career readiness definition moving forward. Some responses included:

  • Identify ways to apply the definition to key audiences, included, but not limited to: policymakers, business and industry, high school educators, higher education, parents, students, and community-based organizations and service providers.
  • Formalize the definition and identify how it can be embedded in state policy.
  • Engage governors to embrace the definition as a framework for coordinating CTE, workforce development and economic development initiatives.
  • Embed the definition in Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act reauthorization.
  • Provide the definition as a model for districts to use in whole or as a starting point when developing their own definitions of career readiness.

Kate Blosveren, Associate Executive Director

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Spring Meeting Recap: A View from the Hill – Federal Policy Impacting Career Technical Education

April 19th, 2013

Earlier this week, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) held its annual Spring Meeting. One of the featured sessions had representatives from several Congressional offices and a legislative liaison from Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) discussing current and future Career Technical Education (CTE) related activity on the Hill.

U.S. Senator Mark Begich (D-AR) has introduced three bills supporting CTE and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM): the Professional Development for Educators Act (S.441), Career and Technical Education Facilities Modernization Act (S.439), and the Counseling for Career Choice Act (S.282). The Counseling for Career Choice Act, in particular, focuses on developing a strong framework for career counseling that promotes local pathways, a full array of postsecondary options, and the alignment of curriculum to locally-available jobs.

Sam Morgante from Congressman Jim Langevin’s (D-RI) office – who co-chairs the CTE Caucus – described the drivers of the Congressman’s interest in CTE and actions he currently is taking to put Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) reauthorization at the forefront. Congressman Langevin is working to coordinate a letter, signed by over 50 members of Congress, calling for Perkins to be fully funded in the 2014 budget, given the increased demand at the local level and the skills gap, which is impacting Rhode Island in particular as the state with the second highest unemployment rate in the nation.

Beth Meloy, representing U.S. Senator Al Franken (D-MN), discussed the skills gap and the Senator’s interest in promoting opportunities for students to have more integrated academic and technical experiences. Senator Franken plans to introduce legislation that will incentivize partnerships between community colleges and local businesses. Members of the audience cautioned against focusing only on community colleges as using such narrow language can exclude other degree- and certificate-granting institutions and technical centers that are not formally considered “community colleges.”

Brendan Desetti, a legislative liaison from the ACTE, noted that given the fact that Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) ESEA, Perkins, and Workforce Investment Act (WIA) – and soon to be the Higher Education Act (HEA) – are all up for reauthorization, there is a good chance that these bills will be better aligned, in terms of language, programs, and accountability measures, than ever before. Of course, this is still dependent on movement from Congress, which all panelists noted is still an uphill battle given the perpetual budget “crises” that are taking up most of the Congress’ and media’s attention. Throughout the entire NASDCTEc Spring Meeting, participant consistently discussed how the range of definitions – and interpretations of definitions – in Perkins and related programs is an ongoing challenge.

Finally, Brendan also raised the issue of other laws and regulations that may not be directly related to CTE but still can have a direct impact on state’s and district’s ability to deliver CTE, such as the Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act, which has the potential to negatively impact Family and Consumer Sciences programs.

The session ended with the panelists encouraging the participants to reach out to their senators and representatives to build relationships with staffers, communicate the importance of CTE, and highlight how programs are benefiting students and the state’s economic development. ACTE has an Action Center to facilitate direct communications between individuals and their members of Congress.

Kate Blosveren, Associate Executive Director

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Spring Meeting Recap: CTE in the Spotlight

April 19th, 2013

The education and workforce communities have increasingly focused on Career Technical Education (CTE) as an effective strategy for preparing college- and career-ready students. At this week’s Spring Meeting of the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc), representatives from several national policy organizations discussed their interest in CTE and ways that they can partner with CTE stakeholders to promote high quality CTE programs.

Tom Rudin, a Senior Vice President at the College Board, noted his organization’s commitment to supporting college and career readiness aspirations for all students. He described the College Board’s interest in working with NASDCTEc to advocate for CTE and issues surrounding college and career readiness.

Melanie Anderson, Director of Government Affairs at Opportunity Nation, discussed her organization’s role in decreasing the “opportunity gap.” Opportunity Nation is particularly interested in bringing the private sector into conversations about CTE and ensuring the alignment of CTE programs with business and industry needs. Visit the opportunity index, a tool that uses a number of indicators to demonstrate economic mobility and opportunity, to view the impact of the opportunity gap where you live. View Melanie’s presentation here.

Martha Ross of the Brookings Institution described her organization’s interest in regionally-based, industry-responsive pathways and CTE as a human capitol issue. Lastly, Tess Mason-Elder of Civic Enterprises described CTE as a way to address educational access issues by improving persistence rates and presenting students with affordable postsecondary options.

Kara Herbertson, Research and Policy Manager

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Spring Meeting Recap: A View from the Hill: Reauthorization

April 19th, 2013

Earlier this week, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) held its annual Spring Meeting to share information on the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins) and other important Career Technical Education (CTE) issues. With Perkins becoming eligible for reauthorization this summer, representatives from key Congressional committees shared their thoughts on CTE and possible timing for reauthorization.

Crystal Bridgeman, a Senior Education Policy Advisor on the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, discussed the importance of improving the quality and accessibility of CTE, aligning the programs with labor market demands, and creating stronger performance accountability measures. While she emphasized the value of Perkins and CTE, Bridgeman suspects that reauthorization for expired legislation, such as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), will occur before Perkins reauthorization.

Rosemary Lahasky, a professional staff member with the U.S. House of Representative’s Committee on Education and the Workforce, also highlighted the importance of CTE. She stressed that the focus for Perkins in the House will be on providing more flexibility for states and locals. While Lahasky also anticipates that Perkins reauthorization will fall behind legislation such as ESEA, she expects for Perkins hearings to begin at some point this year.

Please visit the NASDCTEc blog for the most current news and information on Perkins reauthorization and CTE legislation and policy issues.

Kara Herbertson, Research and Policy Manager

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Spring Meeting Recap: Two Minute Roundup Panel

April 19th, 2013

This year, the National Association of State Directors of Career Technical Education Consortium (NASDCTEc) surveyed Career Technical Education (CTE) State Directors to learn more about CTE-related challenges and successes experienced in their states over the last year. Responses from each state were compiled into a “Two Minute Roundup” document. This resource is intended to spur conversation and connectivity between states that may experience similar accomplishments or difficulties.

Earlier this week at the NASDCTEc Spring Meeting, a Two Minute Round Up panel featured CTE leaders who delved further into their respective state’s successes and challenges.

Meg Harvey, CTE State Director at the Maine Department of Education, described several CTE initiatives in Maine including the launch of a five year associate degree pilot program. View Meg’s powerpoint presentation here.

Kathy D’Antoni, Assistant State Superintendent of Schools at the West Virginia Department of Education, highlighted her state’s work on simulated workplaces. She also presented a new online resource called “in|site.” The website provides hundreds of resources, many that align with West Virginia’s academic and CTE standards, to help better prepare students for postsecondary education and careers. Kathy’s presentation is available here.

Rita Johnson, Senior Director for Workforce Innovation at the Kansas Board of Regents, discussed the Kansas state legislature’s plan to enhance the CTE system by providing free college tuition to students for all technical courses in approved programs at various institutions in the state. An overview document of Kansas’ work is available here. Rita has also provided several video clips that promote CTE programs in the state in areas such as welding, nursing, and information technology.

Visit our Spring Meeting Resources webpage to view additional resources.

Kara Herbertson, Research and Policy Manager 

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NASDCTEc Spring Meeting Blog Series – Today’s Class: Engaging, Empowering, ELearning

April 9th, 2013

This blog series provides readers with insight on the valuable content that is being shared at the NASDCTEc Spring Meeting. Guest bloggers are partner organizations, supporters and other experts that will be present at the national gathering in Washington, DC in April.

TodaysClassLogo295Today’s Class is a web-based educational program delivering interactive coursework to school systems and technical institutions. Today’s Class programs, supplemental resources, are designed to enhance an instructor’s existing curriculum with self-paces textual content, vivid animation, and interactive exercises. Supplying concepts and theory allows for up to 50% reduction in lecture time, which in turn allows instructors more time for hands-on lab work and in-class demonstrations.

Currently, Today’s Class offers cosmetology, health science, and automotive programs. The cosmetology program aligns with most states’ standard cosmetology curricula, providing comprehensive theory and step-by-step methodology. The health science program explores each system of the body and the protocol for vital sign measurement and emergency response. The automotive program touches on seven of the eight core NATEF areas and related technician services.

The newest program by Today’s Class is agriculture-based and contains: Concepts of Agriscience, Science of Agricultural Animals, Science of Agricultural Plants, Science of Agricultural Environment and Science of Agricultural Mechanization.

Over 5,600 instructors currently manage their classes and students using the Today’s Class Learning Management System.

Today’s Class offers more than 55 uniquely interactive courses designed to enhance student learning.

Many attendees know Dr. Rod Boyes, a long-time NASDCTEc supporter and President of the organization. Representing Today’s Class at the Spring Meeting will be Peggy Albano – please say hello to her and learn more about Today’s Class programs and initiatives. Today’s Class is a Gold Level Sponsor at the NASDCTEc Spring Meeting. Today’s Class is also on Twitter!

The NASDCTEc Spring Meeting will be held in Washington, DC April 15-17 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. More information

Ramona Schescke, Member Services Manager

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NASDCTEc Spring Meeting Blog Series: NOCTI, an Eye Toward the Future

March 28th, 2013

This blog series provides readers with insight on the valuable content that is being shared at the NASDCTEc Spring Meeting. Guest bloggers are partner organizations, supporters and other experts that will be present at the national gathering in Washington, DC in April.

Dr. John C. Foster is first and foremost a dedicated leader and advocate for individuals preparing for the workforce. He currently serves as the President/CEO of NOCTI and its sister company NOCTI Business Solutions. Amie Bloomfield is the Customer Care and Outreach Manager for NOCTI, and will also be in attendance at the spring meeting.

NOCTI--Navy-11-2009NOCTI and NOCTI Business Solutions provide technical performance assessment for career and technical, secondary, and post-secondary programs in 48 of the 50 states. They also provide career and technical teacher occupational competency testing for universities delivering teacher training. Lastly, these firms provide assessment development, delivery, and reporting help for private industry and associations.

NOCTI, An Eye Toward the Future

The Career Pathways Effect, a joint publication between NASDCTEc and CORD, offers many practical applications for CTE stakeholders. One section within the book is titled “Ensure” and the focus of the chapters within this section discuss proving the successfulness of Career Technical Education (CTE) and ensuring its continuous improvement. Another chapter titled “Certifications” discusses the vast amount of credentials available to CTE students. With available credentials reaching over 1500 options, a focus is clearly needed. Although there has been much debate regarding rubrics for evaluating the quality of certification systems and the resulting certificates, it really boils down to the credibility and applicability of the assessments that drive the certifications.

There is strong emphasis on college and career readiness and this focus continues to make gains in terms of public recognition. Conversely, there are numerous influences within the education community that are drawing the attention of administrators away from this emphasis. These influences include, but are certainly not limited to, the implementation of the common core standards, requirements states have put in place to include student growth measures based on third-party assessments for teacher and principal evaluation processes, the impact of free online learning (MOOCs), and the rising costs of higher education.

NOCTI, a not-for-profit entity governed by an unpaid board elected by the state directors of CTE in all 50 states, works solely for the CTE community to provide the data and support that schools and students need. NOCTI works closely with the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE), the National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE), NASDCTEc, and the Pathways to Prosperity program, just to name a few. New collaborations and initiatives are underway. Here are just a few worth mentioning:

  • Alignment of standards and assessments has been completed for three additional certifications and extensive discussions continue with three other organizations.
  • Formal discussions are underway with the International Baccalaureate program.
  • College credit is now available to CTE students for over 25 assessment titles, with 30 more slated for the 2013-14 school year.
  • A Student Growth Measures program has been developed as a tool for the new teacher evaluation requirements.
  • Finishing touches are being placed on modules to assist with training new CTE teachers regarding assessment and the use of data.
  • Work is underway to incorporate badges into CTE assessments.

Contact us at [email protected] to see how we can help you. NOCTI is also a gold sponsor of the NASDCTEc spring meeting; stop by and say hello!

The NASDCTEc Spring Meeting will be held in Washington, DC April 15-17 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel. More information

Ramona Schescke, Member Services Manager

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NASDCTEc Spring Meeting: Early Bird Registration Rate Deadline is March 4 – Register NOW

February 26th, 2013

ANNOUNCEMENT: the early bird registration rate for the 2013 NASDCTEc Spring Meeting, to be held in Washington, DC at the Omni Shoreham, is set to end March 4. After that date, regular registration rates will kick in.
To get the best rate, register now. Please share this information with anyone else you work with who is also considering attending the Spring Meeting.

More information:

• We have an updated Agenda for you
• Make your hotel reservations now. Our negotiated group rate will close March 22; after that date, you may not be guaranteed the special group rate.
• Register NOW

We have crafted a program that will bring together leading policymakers, Congressional representatives, and researchers to share with you, hear from you and for all of us to learn together. There will be a blend of plenary sessions and breakout sessions and opportunities for informal learning and networking.

Ramona Schescke, Member Services Manager

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2013 Spring Meeting Agenda Now Posted on NASDCTEc Web Site

February 22nd, 2013

Are you planning on attending the NASDCTEc Spring Meeeting and want to know what special sessions are being prepared for you? The agenda for this meeting is now posted online.

The Spring Meeting will be held from 9 a.m. on Monday, April 15 through 4 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. In keeping with our collaboration with the Office of Vocational and Adult Education of the U.S. Department of Education (OVAE), we are coordinating on program content and are excited that OVAE will be hosting the meeting at the U.S. Department of Education on April 17 to continue critical presentations and discussions. All meeting functions will take place at the Omni Shoreham on April 15 and 16.
More information

Hotel rooms should be reserved at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, details below, for all meeting days. On April 17, NASDCTEc will provide breakfast at the Omni, then attendees will be responsible for their own transportation to the U.S. Department of Education. More details will be provided to confirmed meeting attendees.

We have crafted a program that will bring together leading policymakers, Congressional representatives, and researchers to share with you, hear from you and for all of us to learn together. There will be a blend of plenary sessions and breakouts sessions and opportunities for informal learning and networking.

NOTE: Early bird registration is ending March 4!

Registration Rates
•Member on or before March 4, 2013: $450.00
•Non-member on or before March 4, 2013: $625.00
•Member after March 4, 2013: $550.00
•Non-member after March 4, 2013: $725.00

Quick Links

Ramona Schescke, Member Services Manager

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