CTE Scores

The growth of VOCATS scores in our Career/Technical Education has been phenomenal. At present our system ranks 5th in the state.

Here is our official press release. Keep up the good work!

**NEWS RELEASE**

COUNTY SCHOOLS CAREER-TECH TEST SCORES RANK
5TH IN THE STATE AND 1ST IN THE REGION

23 school systems make up the southeast region where the percentage of students performing at level III or above on end of course tests, range from 46.1% to Columbus County leading with 80.6%. Statewide the scores range from 37.5% TO 83.4%. Columbus County’s Career-Technical Education end-of-course test scores have increased a phenomenal 11.6% over last year resulting in an 18.6% increase in the past 6 years; significant enough to place Columbus County’s Career-Technical Education rank first in the Southeast Region and 5th in the State!
Keith Jefferys, Director of Career-Technical education said “Columbus County Career-Technical Education has been involved with end of course testing for the past 16 years; longer than any other program area. Results from the data have shown steady improvement every year since 2000. Teachers have utilized this data to improve the way students learn and the way information is delivered.” Career-Technical education offers credentialing in all program areas and our focused curriculum provides students a no-nonsense approach to their career aspirations. Students use up-to-date equipment in live-project simulations giving them practical application experience they can transfer to post-secondary education or work immediately after high school.
“Columbus County Career-Technical Education is committed to providing students a quality educational experience. We are proud to say that Career-Technical Education in Columbus County Schools continues to rank among the leaders by providing quality program choices to students”, Jefferys said. Jefferys went on to say, “Our professional teaching staff is well aware of the challenges our students will face in the highly competitive job market and they are prepared to help students reach their full potential. Our award winning College Tech Prep Programs prepare students to make a seamless transition from High School to the Community College and beyond.” Career-Technical Education foundation courses at the middle grade level provides students’ workplace readiness and work-skill basics in order to help them make wise decisions while choosing courses of study that will lead them down the pathway to a rewarding career. Competency-based courses are offered in five program areas, with each having school-based and work-based learning opportunities.
Dr. Dan Strickland, Superintendent stated “we have put a tremendous amount of effort into improving our Career-Technical education programs over the last fifteen years and the outcome is looking very bright. Our teachers have persevered through dedication and diligence. Our students have met the challenge and proven that they can excel.” Statewide data shows that proficiency levels range from 37.5% to 83.4% and Columbus County is among the leaders with 80.6% performing at level III or better. We are seeing steady increases each year. That being said, I am pleased we are moving in the right direction and look forward to continued student success in the years to come.
Superintendent Strickland said, “Career-Technical Education is an essential part of a student’s overall curriculum. Math, English, Science and Social Studies are all important academic skills and through our Career-Technical Education programs, students experience the rigor, relevance and relationships essential to the transference of those skills to employment.”
Dr. Strickland went on to say, “Career-Technical Education will play an important role in the new courses of study from the Department of Public Instruction and in the County’s Strategic Improvement Plan. We will continue to support and improve programs in order to provide students the best possible preparation for their career choice.” Columbus County’s Career-Technical Education programs serve over 3,500 students in grades 7-12 through 5 major program areas and 40+ course offerings.