Dear Parents, Students, and Families,
In a recent conversation, a parent asked what is the difference between the term "vocational education" and "career and technical education". Asking about the history of these terms and which one should be used, I thought this venue may be a good opportunity to explain your child's experience and potential opportunity.
The term “career and technical education,” or “CTE,” evolved from “vocational education,” which traces its roots back more than 100 years and originally referred to agriculture, home-making, and trade and industrial education. Today, education that prepares students for career success is much broader than it used to be. Students can now take courses in 16 different Career Clusters® that lead to 79 different career pathways and hundreds of different careers requiring varying levels of education. To reflect the changing nature of this type of education, we no longer use the term “vocational education,” but instead use “career and technical education.”
In 1998, ACTE (Association of Career and Technical Education-our national Association) changed its name to reflect the changing nature of CTE from job-specific vocationalism to education that can prepare all youth and adults for long-term career success. The vast majority of states, including Maine, followed suit as a way to better describe today’s education system. In 2006, Congress responded by replacing “vocational” with “CTE” in the major federal law impacting secondary and postsecondary CTE programs.
With that said, on average about 75% of our students go on to a 2- or 4-year college. Entering a specific certificate credentialing program accounts for by 6% of our students and about 1% commit to apprenticeships. The military attracts 6% of our students. Six percent of our students directly enter the workforce in the field they studied at COT while 3% enter the workforce in an area they did not study with us.
Given that the majority of our students go onto college or advanced training in some way, it is important that students are well prepared. To support that end goal, we provide academic intervention as the schedule allows to those students that struggle. For the past five years, we have monitored students' math skills closely as many of our programs require math competency. We were fortunate to hire a math teacher that will assist students when needed to not only gain skills but also self-confidence in math. We have found that many students will avoid anything math-related, including being part of a COT program based on something they really enjoy.
Beginning the week of October 21st, we will continue the successful pilot we started last year. Students in "heavy math" programs will be administered a 45-minute assessment to get an accurate skill level. If students are not quite where they should be, we will look at different ways they can improve their math skills. This will also include calling upon your child's sending high school to support them. The earlier we intervene, the less frustrated students become when trying to complete their assignments. I always think of math like, "if you don't use it, you lose it," and frequently all that is needed is some brief refreshers to propel forward.
Reminders: We certainly appreciate your continued support and partnership to help our students remain in school five days a week. Please remind your child to bring their masks to school and wear them properly. We empathize that it can be hot and fog up our glasses as well as other potential nuances, but we need to follow the CDC guidelines and the Department of Education's operating procedure.
UPCOMING DATES:
November 3rd-Early Release and Parent-Teacher Conferences
Paulette Bonneau
Director
We are excited to announce our participation in Dell’s Education Purchase Program (EPP) which allows all school employees, students, parents, and their family and friends to receive member-only pricing on all personal purchases from Dell. Dell has set up a dedicated website to shop 24/7 at www.Dell.com/mpp/SouthernMESchools. All member discounts are built into the site and there is no required login or codes to qualify for discounts. Any login created will be for our own personal reference of Dell purchases.
To begin taking advantage of the program discounts, simply access the website and browse for the system that best fits your needs. No login credentials are needed to access savings. Additionally, if you would like assistance in choosing a system or with price matching, please email our EPP Account Manager, Jose Hidalgo at Jose.Hidalgo@Dell.com. When connecting with Jose, please reference our Member ID: GS1066239.
Member Benefits Include:
Exclusive monthly offers
Best price guarantee on consumer PCs from Dell
Up to 30% off Dell PCs, electronics, and accessories
Free enrollment in Dell Rewards: 3% back + free expedited shipping
BYOD and SLP Support
A dedicated point of contact (Jose.Hidalgo@Dell.com)
Real Kids Wear Pink Day
This year's Real Kids Wear Pink Day is Friday, October 22nd. Kids can make a difference in the fight against cancer in our own community! In 2021, our goal is to continue to grow the program within our schools and have even more kids joining us in celebrating the official Real Kids Wear Pink Day on October 22nd!
