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Office of Career and Technical Education |
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South Dakota Career and Technical Education:A Partner in Meeting the Requirements of No Child Left Behind No Child Left Behind represents the most sweeping national education reform legislation in years. The four pillars of NCLB offer numerous opportunities for coordination with Career and Technical Education (CTE) in South Dakota to meet the needs of middle and high school students. Following is a description of the Office of Career and Technical Education's (OCTE) current activities. AccountabilitySouth Dakota’s Career and Technical Education programs are based on
Office of Career and Technical Education Crosswalk This project, begun more than four years ago, has resulted in standards-based course syllabi and projects for all state-approved CTE programs. Academic content standards for language arts, science, and math and clearly identified technical standards/competencies are required in all course syllabi. Academic skills and knowledge are taught and reinforced in the context of CTE programs. CTE students receive a strong academic foundation that equips them with essential skills in math, science, technology, reading, and written and oral communication. The federal Perkins legislation that helps fund CTE has historically had strong accountability measures. The most recent reauthorization, Perkins III, has Core Standards and Measures that CTE programs must meet, accountability that mirrors NCLB requirements. Perkins standards and measures include:
Data must be disaggregated by gender, race/ethnicity, disability, economic disadvantage, nontraditional, single parent, displaced homemaker, and other barriers, including Limited English Proficiency, again similar to NCLB data requirements. Research-based education and professional development - “What Works”OCTE and Tech Prep have developed a statewide system of professional development that focuses on best practices from model schools, development of standards-based curriculum materials, and publication and dissemination of best practices. College credit, renewal credit, and/or certification are available for all participants, helping to ensure that teachers are well equipped and highly qualified for today’s classrooms. OCTE’s Career and Technical Education Resource Center provides the latest in CTE curricula, videos, CDs, and technical information for local educators. High Schools That Work The High Schools That Work (HSTW) program is one of the largest and oldest (1987) projects of the Southern Regional Education Board. More than 1100 sites in 27 states are using the HSTW framework of goals and key practices to raise student achievement. This framework meets the criteria for comprehensive school reform. HSTW is based on the belief that, in the right school environment, most students can learn complex academic and technical concepts. The major goals of the program are to:
HSTW key practices for accelerating student achievement include:
Plans are underway in South Dakota for pilot sites to begin implementation fall 2003. High Schools That Work and No Child Left Behind The mission, goals, framework, and key practices of the High Schools That Work program closely align with the components of No Child Left Behind. It would help the state meet the accountability requirements for this legislation by providing a model and framework for South Dakota high schools. HSTW could become part of the state’s accountability system for NCLB. Increased flexibilityFederal Perkins funds are allocated to local CTE programs and used for specific local needs. The Perkins Act also has significant flexibility through its “Reserve” fund option. The state may reserve 8.5% of the total state allotment to local districts. These “reserve” funds are used to strengthen academic and vocational and technical skills of students through integration of academic and CTE programs and provide professional development for teachers. Locally, CTE advisory committees help programs determine standards/competencies and assist them in meeting local workforce needs. Expanded options for students and parentsUnderstanding and addressing the diversity of students and providing them with a variety of learning opportunities has always been a primary concern of CTE. CTE gives students choices in their coursework while also preparing them for two-year and four-year postsecondary education and employment. CTE is designed to meet the needs of students and the workforce. It provides a sequence of courses that helps keep at-risk children in school and ensures that they make a successful transition from school to the workplace or further education. CTE ensures that ALL students are served, including the “neglected majority,” the 60 percent of students who are concrete learners and learn best in context. CTE provides leadership opportunities for students through Career and Technical Student Organizations (FFA, FCCLA, DOE, FBLA, and SkillsUSA-VICA). Through a variety of activities and events related to their CTE courses, students develop the ability to solve problems, think critically, and work in teams. CTE Scholar Award The proposed Career and Technical Education Scholar Award will recognize students who have completed a concentration of three credits in a state-approved career and technical program while maintaining exemplary an exemplary GPA. The South Dakota Career and Technical Education system helps ensure that NO CHILD WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. |
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