Career Technical Education Prepares Students for Life Beyond High School
Our economy is changing with the emergence of globalization. It is more important than ever for our students to learn both academic and career curriculum if we are going to develop 21st century workers.
You’ve probably noticed that there is nationwide excitement about the advantages of Career Technical Education (CTE) and the world class benefits that arise for students who combine traditional coursework with hands-on training and on-the-job learning. Our economy is changing with the emergence of globalization. IT is more important than ever for our students to learn both academic and career curriculum if we are going to develop 21st century workers.
In California, it is an especially exciting time for CTE! In January 2007, the State Board of Education adopted CTE frameworks that specify the skills required for students in grades 7 - 12 to be successful in California’s 15 key industries. With leadership from Jack O’Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the newly adopted CTE curriculum standards have been designed to the highest caliber, emphasizing rigor, relevance, and relationships. Governor Schwarzenegger has pledged his support by proposing increase program funding to build and improve technical education programs.
There are numerous programs in Orange County that provide students with opportunities to explore career pathways and participate in hands-on training. Included in these programs are Career Technical Education (CTE), Regional Occupational Programs (ROP), Service Learning and Work Experience. Upon completion of coursework in many in many off these programs, high school students not only receive elective credit toward graduation, but many ROP and CTE courses also qualify for University of California, California State University, and community college credit.
According to a study conducted by the University of California, Riverside, students participating in ROP programs showed proven improvement in school, enjoyed greater success in both college and careers, and found greater relevance from their studies than their peers who did not take an ROP class.
Unique to ROP, classes and curriculum are based on labor market reports, current trends, and input from business advisers in the community to create and maintain up to date and innovative career electives. Many courses also include an internship which allows high school students the opportunity to try their hand at a career in a real world setting while earning elective credit toward graduation. ROP teachers are credentialed and experienced in the fields they teach and courses are offered in approximately 15 industry sectors. Course offerings in new and emerging fields such as Animation, Computer Programming, Crime Scene Investigation, Home Technology Integration, and Sport Medicine are being developed every semester.
Classes are offered at various times during the school day, after school and on weekends to provide flexibility when students are planning their schedules. To register, students should visit the career cent on campus or speak to their school counselor, Combining CTE programs with traditional courses allow high school students to forge a vital connection to their future and make the most of a world class education where every student succeeds.
For more info on ROP, go to the following websites:
