Career and Technical Education Programs Provide Opportunities for Awarding Academic Credit

While looking over a Russian exhibit during the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, Dr. Runkle, President of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, had an epiphany for a method to unite academies with vocational education. Runkle’s moment of inspiration has come to be regarded as the original seed for what would become the nation’s system of vocational education.

With the passage of the Michigan Merit Curriculum legislation, “a method to unite academic with vocational education,” referred to as Career and Technical Education (CTE), has taken on new meaning. The legislation provides students with a viable option to obtain credit through CTE programs in order to meet the new state high school graduation requirements.

To align vocational education programs with the Michigan Merit Curriculum, CTE professionals, teachers, and administrators have been working with Michigan Department of Education (MDE), CTE, and academic content experts to align and integrate core academic standards into CTE programs. MDE officials are encouraging districts to be innovative and involve both career education and academic teachers in a dialogue to fully explore this opportunity. In many CTE centers, English language arts (ELA) and math content specialists are working with CTE instructors to infuse academic content expectations where appropriate and to modify lesson plans as needed.

The collaborative teaching model for delivering English language content standards has already been developed. It is being incorporated into marketing education, business management, health technology, and public safety courses across the state. Math content standards are expected to be incorporated and integrated into construction trades, precision manufacturing, and electronics, as well as other courses using collaborative teaching. CTE programs will also provide students enrolled in health technology, automotive technology, aviation or pre-engineering, or computer-aided drafting and design with the opportunity to earn science credit. Visual, performing, and applied arts requirements can be obtained through enrollment in career and technical programs such as commercial art, graphics and Web design, animation, and interior or fashion design.

The MDE presented a draft policy regarding CTE courses to the State Board of Education at its meeting on June 12, 2007. The document was developed by MDE staff, Office of Career and Technical Preparation staff, and representatives from CTE programs. The policy could inspire not only collaborative teaching, but also encourage CTE and academic teachers to work together to determine what parts of which courses meet the state requirements and where the CTE programs would need to be supplemented for students to receive credit. Schools continue to have the flexibility to determine how best to add in the missing elements of the requirements, including offering online courses and independent projects.

CTE programs provide a wonderful opportunity for ALL students to fulfill the new high school graduation requirements while uniting academic and vocational education to promote student success in college and the workplace. Dr. John Runkle would be pleased.

Ralph Hansen, Regional Director at the Eaton Career and Technical Education Center, was named CTE Administrator of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) in 2006. Hansen was selected for this award because of his strong commitment and leadership in Career and Technical Education at both the local and state level. Hansen has been a guiding force in improving Career and Technical Education curriculum alignment with the academic subjects.

For more information, contact: Ralph Hansen, Regional Director, Eaton Career and Technical Education Center, Eaton Intermediate School District, 1790 E. Packard Hwy., Charlotte, MI 48813, (517) 483-1329, rhansen@eaton.k12.mi.us. To download a copy of the draft policy Guidelines on Awarding Academic Credit in Career and Technical Education (CTE), Humanities, and Other Delivery Models, visit www.michigan.gov/mde.

MASSP accepts nominations for MASSP Secretary of the Year, MASSP Principal of the Year, MASSP Middle Level Principal of the Year, and MASSP CTE Administrator of the Year. Nominations are accepted in May and June of each year. Selection occurs from May to September, with award winners announced in the fall. Visit www.michiganprincipals.org to learn about 2007-2008 award winners. To download nomination forms and criteria, click on “Resources for Principals,” then “Awards.”

For more information, contact: Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, 1001 Centennial Way, Ste. 100, Lansing, MI 48917, (517) 327-5360.

Administrative Oversight of Career and Technical Education Programs Moves Back to the Michigan Department of Education

Administrative oversight of secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs has been transferred to the Michigan Department of Education, strengthening the crosswalk between the Michigan Merit Curriculum and CTE programs.

This transfer is expected to lead to greater efficiency and accountability, foster greater coordination of educational functions, and result in more consistent programs and policies regarding career and technical training in programs in secondary schools.

Governor Granholm signed Executive Order 2007-4, which activated the transfer last May.

Career and Technical Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that begins with exploration of career options, supports basic academic and life skills, and promotes high academic standards, leadership, preparation for industry-defined work, and continuing education. CTE programs provide students with a great way to explore a variety of careers and potentially earn college credit while in high school. Students usually begin a two-year program in their junior year; however, the length of the program can vary. Most CTE students split their time between high school and a technical education center or community college. Because these programs are aligned to both high school and college courses, CTE offers students a seamless transition between high school, career technical education programs, and college.

Source: Office of Career and Technical Preparation, Michigan Department of Education.