Developing an Understanding of CTE | Origin: EC101
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Your First Year as a CTE Teacher (Part 1) --> Developing an Understanding of CTE
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
I was struck by how much academic knowledge was forefront in the Perkins legislation section. I did a deep dive into the resources and even found something new along these lines from Illinois' dep. of ed. website. Their CTE program/pathway matrices specifically highlight the academic areas of Math, English/ELA and Science. I also noted Texas as an example of an ADA compliant example of a program of study, and was interested to see that their legislators defined the allowed courses and the number of credits per course in the CTE pathways.
I learned that CTE originated in the 1800s, which wasn't something that I was previously aware of. I also learned that there are numerous career pathways and career clusters for students to pursue.
We are still using a curriculum from 25 years ago that I do not think has been updated to the current standards. We should have 4 levels of instruction and build upon each year. Its not that we are not teaching the instruction, it is that we are teaching in a non-constructive order. I think that we should move things into a way that we can build upon.
I learned about the history of the CTE programs and the changes throughout the years that have brought it to it's current state. I learned the importance of partnering with local businesses in order to help suppport the CTE programs. Also the importance of hands on education is a positive tool that helps prepare students to enter the real world in their choice of study.
I learn the different in CTE and the important in has in the school systerm
We need to start the students off at an introductory level and progress through a step by step sequence. The speed of this will be determined by the class makeup and skills levels the students present.
I learned some CTE history background that I did not know. I also had a good bit of confirmation that I have been doing most things correctly and have been fitting the system laid out in the framework. I love teaching Woodworking in my CTE and will soon be teaching one section of Carpentry 1 as the demand for Carpentry in my school is very high. The current Carpentry teacher needs me to add another section of Carpentry 1 so he can add a second section of Carpentry 2.
I love teaching CTE classes. There is never a dull moment, the kids are constantly in motion and often say, wow I can't believe class is already over. That feels like a successful class!
Comment on Elizabeth Sykora's post: I also did not know about the High Quality CTE. I look forward to learning more.
Quantifying progress is always difficult. I am interested in ways of measuring the effectiveness of the CTE program I am building.
Learning about how CTE is meant to be and how it can help students learn and grow and get ready for postsecondary schooling or work was really interesting.
Reading about high quality CTE was interesting and informative.
It's All about Hands on experience in every class!
I've been "doing this" in one way or another--sometimes large and at other times pretty small--for 6 years now. Much of it I felt like was a "refresher"...while other elements were things I learned and seemed quite impressive.
As much as I hate to say (or think) it, given the terrible political climate in our country today, I'm TRULLY unsure what really "matters" moving between political parties as one exits power and the other enters--and vice versa.
I have learned what particular components make up the framework for CTE, and its effectiveness. I also understand what the framework of an effective CTE program does for academic and technical learning for students, and how a well-balanced combination of this type of learning can give students a proficient advantage in education and work experience, in beginning their careers and pathways to a wealth of experience in their respective chosen fields.
I have learned CTE history and career cluster that have allowed students hand on experience.
CTE and the pathways that are available are very important in todays environment. We need to continue to build the CTE platform to enhance student learning.
I too have found CTE a great path for students to learn hands on real life scenarios.Being a Vocational Technical student myself from years long past served me well.
I have learned about the foundations regarding CTE and the best way for me to utilize it in the program I am teaching with my lessons plans.
