Many of you read the great test results coming out of Columbus County Schools Career and Technical Education Program. Out of all the programs in the state, our CTE program ranks 5th with regards to test scores. It is truly a remarkable achievement for our teachers and especially our students.
Thirty years ago, vocational education as it was known then, meant basically some basic farming and “shop” classes and some “home ec”. Students were not tested in a standardized manner, and many vocational classes were suited for students who were looking to graduate from school and go to work with a limited set of skills. Today, our Career and Technical Education program offers a highly specialized training and rigorous curriculum. Our students can graduate with certification in Auto Mechanics, Computer Networking, Health Occupations, Early Childhood Development, and Food Safety. These nationally-recognized programs provide many students with the ability to enter specialized fields when they graduate, or prepares them to enter specialized technical schools; many of these students also go on to four year programs. Our CTE programs offer many other skills; our schools build houses from the ground up learning every aspect of construction, our horticulture programs combine modern science with the traditional agricultural practices of our local communities, and computer applications students learn extensive computer skills that will become necessary in any career in the future. The days of the traditional shop class are over; CTE students are now learning math, science and english within the context of courses that demonstrate how these concepts apply to the real world.
Why are these programs so successful? What does it tell us about students and learning?
I honestly believe that these programs have been successful because they are rigorous and relevant. Anyone who has been on a CTE classroom or read the questions on one of these exams can attest to the rigor that the CTE curriculum demands. These classes all involve students in active engagement using real, tangible examples that encourage intellectual connections. Exceptional children who enter our CTE programs have a mastery rate of almost 60%. If education is about interaction and connection, then no child is left behind. We are working toward the goal of making all students successful by providing them with more relevance, more hands-on activities and as a result, more engagement- in all classes.
The 21st century is an exciting time in education; we need not fear it. We must embrace the future by continuing to teach our students to think, interact and make connections. Our Career and Technical Education Programs are a great example of how we as educators can adapt from the traditional model of education to the new. It is an inspiration which will help propel all of us forward.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
School Version 2.0 - Community Involvement
There was a time, not long ago, when community involvement in schools meant bake sales at the PTA, and reverse raffles at football games. Schools were not really expected to be active members of the community, and a few interested people did most of the “volunteer” work at the school.
Times have indeed changed. Our schools rely heavily on the involvement of ALL members of the community, in order to best meet the needs of our children. The world in which we live in is full of challenges, and it requires teachers, principals, parents, business/community members, church members and mentors to help prepare our students for tomorrow’s world. Unlike the past, we must ensure that ALL students have access to college. A child that drops out of school in 2007 has a very bleak future; this should simply not be an option for any student. Research has shown that drop-outs cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually to our economy. We have many safeguards and support systems in place to prevent this from happening, but ultimately we rely on the student’s community to provide support. If all the adults in a child’s life expect success- then that success is almost assured.
In turn, our community relies on our schools to provide not only education, but training in specialized fields. (I’ll be speaking about this in a future article.) As our county continues to grow, and industry ponders establishments in Columbus County, the quality of education in the area could be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. Most of these industries will not want someone that can just labor, but rather an employee that has critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our approach to these challenges is simple: involve as many people from as many different areas as possible, and build partnerships with local business and commerce. I have formed Advisory Councils for parents, students, teachers, principals and business and industry. In these meetings, we have frank discussions about the direction of our schools. I rely heavily on these councils to determine the success of on-going programs and to determine the potential success of future programs.
We have also joined all chambers of commerce in the area. We work closely with the Economic Development Commission and the Committee of 100 as well as the Small Business Center of Southeastern Community College. In addition, we are partners with the North Carolina Museum of Forestry, Columbus Regional Healthcare System and International Paper. One of the first questions I ask when speaking with these groups is, “How can the schools help?” We then in turn use these responses to help guide our long- term improvement plans. Additionally, I am dedicated to meeting with any group that has concerns or simply wants information. I have an open door policy with all partners and the media.
I hope that each of you, whether you have children or not, will become involved in the lives of the young people in your community. In the past, the most important volunteer work happened in the school. We still need that involvement, but in the 21st century, we need volunteers in the churches, at the ball games and on the street, encouraging our students to succeed. In return, we pledge that our school system will listen and be responsive to the needs of the community and will supply our children with the skills they need to survive and flourish.
Thanks for listening; please feel free to comment on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com.
Times have indeed changed. Our schools rely heavily on the involvement of ALL members of the community, in order to best meet the needs of our children. The world in which we live in is full of challenges, and it requires teachers, principals, parents, business/community members, church members and mentors to help prepare our students for tomorrow’s world. Unlike the past, we must ensure that ALL students have access to college. A child that drops out of school in 2007 has a very bleak future; this should simply not be an option for any student. Research has shown that drop-outs cost hundreds of millions of dollars annually to our economy. We have many safeguards and support systems in place to prevent this from happening, but ultimately we rely on the student’s community to provide support. If all the adults in a child’s life expect success- then that success is almost assured.
In turn, our community relies on our schools to provide not only education, but training in specialized fields. (I’ll be speaking about this in a future article.) As our county continues to grow, and industry ponders establishments in Columbus County, the quality of education in the area could be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker. Most of these industries will not want someone that can just labor, but rather an employee that has critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Our approach to these challenges is simple: involve as many people from as many different areas as possible, and build partnerships with local business and commerce. I have formed Advisory Councils for parents, students, teachers, principals and business and industry. In these meetings, we have frank discussions about the direction of our schools. I rely heavily on these councils to determine the success of on-going programs and to determine the potential success of future programs.
We have also joined all chambers of commerce in the area. We work closely with the Economic Development Commission and the Committee of 100 as well as the Small Business Center of Southeastern Community College. In addition, we are partners with the North Carolina Museum of Forestry, Columbus Regional Healthcare System and International Paper. One of the first questions I ask when speaking with these groups is, “How can the schools help?” We then in turn use these responses to help guide our long- term improvement plans. Additionally, I am dedicated to meeting with any group that has concerns or simply wants information. I have an open door policy with all partners and the media.
I hope that each of you, whether you have children or not, will become involved in the lives of the young people in your community. In the past, the most important volunteer work happened in the school. We still need that involvement, but in the 21st century, we need volunteers in the churches, at the ball games and on the street, encouraging our students to succeed. In return, we pledge that our school system will listen and be responsive to the needs of the community and will supply our children with the skills they need to survive and flourish.
Thanks for listening; please feel free to comment on my blog at drstrickland.blogspot.com.
Friday, October 19, 2007
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.
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.
School: Version 2.0
Last time we talked, I mentioned to you about the changes that are occurring in our schools as we move forward in this century. Today I would like to discuss some examples of how times are changing and how that translates into the classroom.
Perhaps the most important initiative we have implemented here in Columbus County Schools is to shift our focus off of teachers and teaching and onto students and learning. If we pay close attention to the level of engagement of each child, we are assured of heading in the right direction. The straight rows and dusty chalkboards of the past are giving way to desks in circles and computer screens. If we are to prepare our students for the future, our classrooms must change in structure and substance. We are asking our teachers to make student engagement their top priority by using more hands-on, relevant learning activities. In order to accurately track this level of engagement, each one of our principals conduct frequent “walkthroughs” using a handheld computer. The principal does not focus on what the teacher is doing (the old way) but focuses instead on what the student is doing. This information is uploaded to a central computer where the principal, myself and others can view trends occurring in all classrooms, and make adjustments accordingly. Our central office staff assists the principal by participating in these walkthroughs and offering outside perspectives. The ultimate goal is to raise the level of engagement of each individual student, and thereby raising the overall achievement of each individual student.
Of course measuring engagement itself does not give the entire picture. The students must be assessed individually to determine the level of achievement. This cannot happen just a few times a year. It must be ongoing, and must give the teachers (and parents) the data they need to focus on areas of weaknesses. In grades 3-8, every child is benchmarked at several points throughout the year using web-based testing software. This software provides the information needed to tailor instruction to meet every child’s need. It also gives our parents a specific record of progress and helps guide their efforts in preparing their children for end-of-course tests. We are currently developing benchmarks in grades 9-12; because of the complexity the high school curriculum this will be an ongoing process, but one to which we are fully committed.
I look forward to continued discussions with you as I share the good news coming from our school system. Feel free to comment at drstrickland.blogspot.com, or contact me directly.
Perhaps the most important initiative we have implemented here in Columbus County Schools is to shift our focus off of teachers and teaching and onto students and learning. If we pay close attention to the level of engagement of each child, we are assured of heading in the right direction. The straight rows and dusty chalkboards of the past are giving way to desks in circles and computer screens. If we are to prepare our students for the future, our classrooms must change in structure and substance. We are asking our teachers to make student engagement their top priority by using more hands-on, relevant learning activities. In order to accurately track this level of engagement, each one of our principals conduct frequent “walkthroughs” using a handheld computer. The principal does not focus on what the teacher is doing (the old way) but focuses instead on what the student is doing. This information is uploaded to a central computer where the principal, myself and others can view trends occurring in all classrooms, and make adjustments accordingly. Our central office staff assists the principal by participating in these walkthroughs and offering outside perspectives. The ultimate goal is to raise the level of engagement of each individual student, and thereby raising the overall achievement of each individual student.
Of course measuring engagement itself does not give the entire picture. The students must be assessed individually to determine the level of achievement. This cannot happen just a few times a year. It must be ongoing, and must give the teachers (and parents) the data they need to focus on areas of weaknesses. In grades 3-8, every child is benchmarked at several points throughout the year using web-based testing software. This software provides the information needed to tailor instruction to meet every child’s need. It also gives our parents a specific record of progress and helps guide their efforts in preparing their children for end-of-course tests. We are currently developing benchmarks in grades 9-12; because of the complexity the high school curriculum this will be an ongoing process, but one to which we are fully committed.
I look forward to continued discussions with you as I share the good news coming from our school system. Feel free to comment at drstrickland.blogspot.com, or contact me directly.
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