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engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has been documented in the
workforce, though not necessarily as a part of career and technical
education. A recent Brookings Institute report, “The Hidden STEM
Economy,” states that “half of all STEM jobs are available to workers
without a four-year college degree … .” These jobs require high levels
of skill and, for students who have earned added CTE credentials
and received additional education, it can provide rewarding career
opportunities in the STEM field.
Secondary CTE programs can be the catalyst that demonstrates
the connection between CTE and STEM and the opportunities
to become college and career ready. Currently, according to the
Virginia Department of Education, the number of Governor’s STEM
Academies has grown to 22 in addition to nine Governor’s Health
Sciences Academies. A strong foundation in CTE and STEM-related
skills coupled with industry credentials provides students a step up
while preparing for postsecondary education and for employment
in high-demand, high-skill, and high-wage careers in a competitive
global economy. Whatever route a student takes, whether through
direct entry into the workplace or postsecondary education, they are
better prepared through CTE programs inVirginia’s school divisions.
By 2018, two-thirds of job openings will require real-world skills
that can be mastered through CTE programs. That is why the input
and direction of the business community is so important and why
CTE programs are the best place for that to happen.
The rigor and relevance of Virginia’s secondary CTE programs
are solid building blocks for success in postsecondary education and
the competitive workforce. CTE programs are developing Virginia’s
most valuable resource—its students—by helping them gain skills
and technical knowledge built on a rigorous academic foundation
and real-world experiences. The result is a skilled and sustainable
workforce for Virginia’s businesses and industries. Career and
technical education is the ultimate blending of classroom education
and workplace readiness, which will promote Virginia’s economy
with a highly qualified and competitive workforce. Business and
industry partners play a critical role in the success of CTE programs,
and the Virginia Association for Career and Technical Education
continues to recognize and build these partnerships.
CTE is an essential part of secondary education and provides a
solid foundation for workplace entry and postsecondary education.
CTE is college and career ready, workforce development, STEM,
business and industry partnerships, economic development and …
Career and Technical Education is Learning That Works for
Virginia!
Dr. Brenda D. Long is the executive director of the Virginia
Association for Career and Technical Education, and a retired CTE
administrator with more than 30 years’ experience.
Settle and AssociatesLLC
Richard L. Settle
Settle and Associates LLC
288 Clubhouse Drive
Abingdon, Virginia 24211–3839
Phone: 276-676-4444
Mobile: 804-240-1850
The Virginia Association for Career
and Technical Education (VACTE) strives
to promote and expand career and technical
education (CTE) across the Commonwealth
while monitoring policy decisions. Through
networking with policymakers, business
partners, career and technical educators,
stakeholders, parents, and community
leaders, VACTE strives to bring these
groups together more effectively for the
benefit of students and to enhance an
infrastructure for entry to the workforce or
postsecondary education.
Student success is the goal of all CTE programs in Virginia. We
all hear the phrases “college ready” and “career ready” repeatedly,
as well as, the importance of students being adequately prepared
when they graduate from high school. The national Association for
Career and Technical Education notes that high school students need
academic knowledge and skills necessary to pursue postsecondary
education without remediation—the measure many consider “college
ready.” While rigorous academic proficiency is necessary for any
post-high-school endeavor, even more is required to be considered
ready for a career. Virginia’s CTE students, therefore, participate in
programs built upon a strong foundation of academic and technical
skills during their high school careers to better prepare them for the
workplace.
During the 2012-2013 school year, 67,035 credentials were
earned by high school students, and 40,671 graduating seniors
took two or more CTE classes. Additionally, 43 percent of students
graduating with Advanced Studies Diplomas were enrolled in two or
more CTE classes.
Career readiness includes three major skill areas: academic
skills and the ability to apply them in the workplace and routine
daily activities; employability skills, including critical thinking and
responsibility, which are essential in any career area; and technical
and job-specific skills related to specific career pathways. CTE
programs, an integral component of the secondary curriculum, focus
on providing these skills and abilities for students based on their
career goals.
CTE programs in Virginia served more than 550,000 students
in grades 6-12 last year. These programs address the need for well-
trained and industry-certified technical workers. The Board of
Education recognizes the importance of CTE programs by requiring
industry credentialing as part of graduation requirements, awarding
high school graduates diploma seals, and using career pathways as an
avenue to completing the academic and career plan.
CTE continues to expand its role in meeting the needs of not
only the future workforce but also in creating a connection to
current economic development. The need for science, technology,
Career and Technical Education—
Learning That Works For Virginia
By Brenda Long
The dynamic collaboration between SHAV and our state
agencies: VDOE and the BASLP resulted in beneficial licensure
changes within our state. Universal Licensure will provide better
consumer protection; simplify the licensure process, minimize
licensure fees, and the continuing education requirements for SLPs
in Virginia. Collaboration definitely made great things happen for
SLPs in Virginia!
Darlene Robke, SHAV Vice President for Governmental and
Professional Affairs, is a speech-language pathologist with over
22 years of clinical and administrative experience.
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