Margaret Coate

It is important to keep in mind that all things Perkins are CTE, but not all things utilized within CTE may be funded with Perkins funding. Please know that Perkins funding is not designed to be the full support of the local CTE program(s), simply a compliment to local resources. It is critical to understand that Perkins budget requests must fit within what Perkins allows, yet because the funds are federal dollars, there are additional regulations that apply to all federal funds, which we also much comply with. Providing high-quality CTE to students requires a strong commitment of significant resources including funding an… >>>

Spending rules under the Perkins Act can sometimes hinder the goal of fully developing academic and technical skills in CTE students, as certain restrictions can limit flexibility in how funds are used, potentially preventing schools from addressing specific needs and tailoring programs to local industry demands; however, when designed effectively, spending rules can support this goal by ensuring funds are directed towards high-quality CTE programs and initiatives that prioritize both academic and technical skills development. If rules too tightly define how funds must be spent, it can prevent schools from utilizing resources in the most effective way to address unique… >>>

I was not surprised. The Perkins program, which funds career and technical education initiatives, is subject to a complex web of rules stemming from federal legislation, state regulations, and individual school district policies, meaning there can be multiple layers of guidelines to follow depending on the specific context, potentially leading to challenges in program implementation due to the need to navigate and comply with various sets of rules across different levels.

Santa Rosa County utilizes the Xello platform for students to complete career exploration type activities and can record their certifications and create e-portfolios to submit to potential employers. Our school conducts exit interviews with a career specialist to help them with interview skills and resume writing.  We utilize FOCUS software to track all of the data components to submit to the state for reporting purposes. We stick to a survey reporting calendar to make sure that all data is reported to the state in a timely and accurate fashion. 

In the context of high-quality Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs of study, data collection is invaluable as it provides essential insights into program effectiveness, allowing educators to identify areas for improvement, make informed decisions, demonstrate impact to stakeholders, and ultimately ensure students are receiving the best possible career preparation through tailored adjustments to curriculum and instruction based on real-time data analysis. 

Examples of data that can be collected in a CTE program:
Student demographics: Age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status  

Academic performance: Grades in CTE courses, core academic subjects  

Career pathway selection: Industry focus, career goals  

Work-based learning… >>>

Active Learning Strategies: Incorporating hands-on activities that encourage students to participate actively in their learning process. Positive Relationships: Building strong, supportive relationships between teachers and students to foster a sense of belonging and security. Differentiated Instruction: Tailoring learning experiences to meet the diverse needs of students, ensuring that all learners can engage with the content at their level. Regular Feedback: Providing timely and constructive feedback to help students understand their progress and areas for improvement. Goal Setting: Encouraging students to set personal learning goals, which fosters a sense of ownership and motivation in their academic journey. Incorporating Technology: Utilizing educational technology… >>>

As we strive to foster closer collaboration between our Career and Technical Education (CTE) program and other teaching areas, I believe we can implement several leadership actions. These may include organizing joint planning sessions, encouraging co-teaching opportunities, and establishing regular communication channels for sharing resources and best practices.

As we reflect on the characteristics of successful schools, I believe it’s essential to identify both our strengths and areas for growth. Currently, our school exhibits strong community involvement and a commitment to student engagement. However, we should aspire to enhance our focus on innovative teaching methods and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Comment on Janet Webb's post: 

I completely agree that these programs are essential in reaching over half of our student population. They not only introduce valuable skills and career options that extend beyond traditional academics but also play a significant role in improving our dropout rates. The impact of CTE on our students is profound, as it encourages them to pursue further education, whether at a 4-year institution, a 2-year college, or a technical school. Additionally, these programs provide our local community with a vital pathway to employment opportunities.