Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1476161
a comeback. But the infrastructure needs serious repair after decades of cuts." CTE fosters success While state funding is on the horizon, and while everyone may not agree about which types of CTE best meet student needs, there is a growing consensus — and strong evidence — that CTE courses impact all students positively. According to the state Department of Education: e average national graduation rate of students enrolled in CTE is 90 percent; other students, 75 percent. CTE reduces behavioral problems and reduces dropout rates. CTE attendance more than doubled the rate of college entrance for minority stu- dents and increased college enrollment rates for all student populations. California Partnership Academy stu- dents beat state averages in passing the Exit Exam. Equity needed for CTE teachers Students may have more opportunities to participate in CTE — but CTE teachers are growing scarce. e shortage has had a huge impact on CTE programs. Gun- nersen describes the teacher pool as "very limited" and continuing to decline. "e lack of CTE teacher preparation programs at higher learning institutes for many of these career fields has been part of this problem. So has F R O M I N T E R N S H I P S , guest speakers and hands-on career exploration, students discover opportunities in the medical field at AIMS (Aspirations in Medical Sciences), a Lighthouse Academy program. Through partnerships with local hospitals, students earn volunteer hours and school credit while learning important skills. They can also receive CPR and OSHA certification and become certified nursing assistants. Core classes are medically themed, including biology and chemistry. Students use simulators, highly sensitive, intelligent robots that allow students to practice vital medical skills without the risk of harming "real" people. The lab course is through a partnership with Long Beach Unified, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Long Beach City College. Jordan High also has a simulator. "I'm so proud of these students," says Tabatha Baskin, a member of Long Beach Teachers Association who teaches health and career exploration and medical terminology. "Our students are very motivated. Many say they want to come to school because of the academy." "AIMS helped me discover my career choice — physical therapy," says 2018 graduate Anahi Montano. "I com- pleted over 300 hours of hospital service in AIMS. It was one of the best choices I made in high school." At AIMS, students use robotic simulators as well as other medical technology, and can become certified nursing assistants, among other certifications. Inset: AIMS teacher Tabatha Baskin. AIMS Academy Jordan High School LO N G B E AC H 29 A U G U S T / S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 2