Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
Terms to Know California Partnership Academy (CPA): A three-year program, grades 10-12, structured as a school-within- a-school" where students focus on career paths and explore their field of interest. By law, at least 50 percent of students in an academy must be considered at-risk. Academies create a close family-like atmosphere, integrating academics and CTE, and establish viable business partnerships. Currently, 340 programs are funded throughout California. Lighthouse Academy: CPAs that have demonstrated that they meet or exceed the standards necessary for success and are models for other CPAs. CTE Pathways: Schools that offer a cluster of classes geared toward a specific industry or field. Source: California Department of Education Green Energy Academy teachers, left to right: Jamie Vargas, John Berg and Kim Hau. The academy is a Career Technical Education program. W E L C O M E T O 21st century CTE. When "vocational ed" was established decades ago, programs such as auto shop, wood shop, cosmetology and culinary arts were available, offering a pathway for non-college bound stu- dents to go straight into the workforce after high school. While many students made careers out of what they learned, critics accused the system of tracking students from low-income families into the world of work instead of college. To d ay 's C T E i s c onsi d ered a p athway for students not only entering the workforce after graduation, but for those who plan on attending trade schools, two-year colleges for certificate programs and four -year universities. CTE is considered a stepping stone to higher education — and an avenue for students to hold jobs in their field while attending college. Previously there were 175 different designated subject credentials to teach vocational ed. As it gradually transitioned to CTE, credentials were streamlined into 15 designated subjects: • Agriculture and natural resources • Arts, media and entertainment • Building and construction trades • Business and finance • Education, child development and family services • Energy, environment and utilities • Engineering and architecture • Fashion and interior design • Health, science and medical technology • Hospitality, tourism and recreation • Information and communication technologies • Manufacturing and product design • Marketing, sales and services • Public services • Transportation To prepare for 21st century careers, secondary students at some school sites have the option to enroll in "pathways" or "academies" depending upon their interests (see box). In pathway programs and academies, core sub- jects are integrated with CTE curriculum. Most CTE courses meet A-G requirements for the CSU and the UC systems. Internships with local busi- nesses are required. Some programs have dual enrollment with local colleges, so high school students receive college credits for classes. CTE also teaches soft skills like writing resumes, how to ace a job interview and responsibility. Today's CTE is indeed a long way from the "voc ed," of yes- terday, says Wendy Lockhart, CTA's co-consultant to the Adult, Alterative and Career Technical Education Committee. "Under traditional vocational education, the focus was on training a few students for a few jobs," Lockhart says. "Today the goal is on training all students for careers, with multiple post-secondary options. Before, vocational ed was in lieu of regular studies. Now, in CTE programs, core subjects are embedded. In the past, vocational education was " There is a renewed interest in CTE and funding these vital programs has increasingly become a priority. CTE is slowly making a comeback. But the infrastructure needs serious repair after decades of cuts." —Lance Gunnersen, El Dorado Union High School Faculty Association CTE 25 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2