CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION AT TCISD

No, Ruler Twirling is not a program offered by CTE but one would think it could be based on the
wide variety of career focused programs offered through this comprehensive opportunity for High
School students to get a leg up on their career paths.
Tuesday, September18 was a fascinating look into how sophisticated and diverse education
has become. It is said that education is the most powerful weapon once can use to change the
world. It is a passport to the future.
Confucius said that education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds
peace.
Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve. Seeing and
talking to these students was an affirmation of the value of passionate learning. From Dixie the
one-eyed dog to heavenly pineapple cheesecake, every table offered fascinating conversation
with knowledgeable experts on architectural design, forensics, robots, nursing, veterinary services
and mouthwatering desserts. Every table was decorated with a unique floral design and
these were just some of the courses represented in this incredible program!
Each of these students are gathering knowledge they can put to immediate use after high
school as well as carrying that knowledge and the credits with them to college. The creativity,
passion and exuberance each of them showed as they explained what they are learning and their
plans for future careers is inspiring. The level of confidence, their professionalism and exceptional communication skills would lead you to believe
they are much more advance than their actual years.
The National Career Clusters® Framework provides
a vital structure for organizing and delivering
quality CTE programs through learning and comprehensive
programs of study. In total, there are 16 Career
Clusters in the National Career Clusters Framework,
representing more than 79 Career Pathways to
help students navigate their way to greater success in
college and career.
As an organizing tool for curriculum design and
instruction, Career Clusters provide the essential
knowledge and skills for the 16 Career Clusters and
their Career Pathways. It also functions as a useful
guide in developing programs of study bridging secondary
and postsecondary curriculum and for creating
individual student plans of study for a complete
range of career options. As such, it helps students
discover their interests and their passions, and empowers
them to choose the educational pathway that
can lead to success in high school, college and career.
The 16 career pathways vary from Agriculture, Architecture,
the Arts, Business Management, Education,
Finance, Government, Health, to Hospitality,
Human Services, IT, Law, Manufacturing, Marketing,
Engineering, Math, Science and Transportation.
The CTE brand promise is the essence of the CTE:
Learning that works for America brand, as it declares
what the brand promises to do for those whom it
serves. The brand promise represents an internal
commitment to the CTE community and serves as
the foundation for CTE messaging. It drives what we
do and the decisions we make, how we behave, how
we interact with key audiences, how we talk about
CTE and how CTE connects with others. It’s why CTE
matters.
All uses of the CTE: Learning that works for America
campaign related messaging must be consistent
with the CTE brand promise as outlined below:
Career Technical Education promises an unrelenting
commitment to:
• Continually improve the relevance and value
of a student’s educational experience;
• Prepare students for success in both career
and college, by employing The National Career Clusters
Framework to ensure contextual learning and academic
standards that reflect the goals and interests
of all learners;
• Provide American business and industry with
a highly skilled, sustainable workforce;
• Provide dynamic, innovative leadership for
the nation’s educational system; and
• Serve as a strategic partner with secondary
and postsecondary educators, and business/industry
to strengthen America’s competitive position in the
global economy.
Since CTE is and will continue to evolve in response
to workplace changes and demands, it is important to
note that the brand promise is centered on the “unrelenting
commitment” to achieve the goals outlined
in the above. It is this commitment that is the true essence
of the brand.
Photos By: Tammy