Margaret Coate

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.

Comment on Tim Dettwiller's post: 

I completely agree that they can be a pivotal motivating factor for our students as they navigate their graduation plans. When students engage in real-world experiences, it empowers them to make informed decisions about their academic paths. This not only excites the scheduling counselors, who appreciate students approaching them with purpose, but also reassures parents who want to see their children thrive with clear, actionable plans.

CTE programs not only provide students with essential skills and knowledge for their future careers but also foster a stronger connection between our school and the community. CTE engages students more effectively, increases attendance rates, and improves academic performance across the board.