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In a recent article in Forbes, Nicholas Wyman states that 'the “college-for-everyone” mentality has pushed awareness of other possible career paths to the margins. The cost to the individuals and the economy as a whole is high. If we want everyone’s kid to succeed, we need to bring vocational education back to the core of high school learning.'
Read the entire article here. Mat-Su College and the Mat-Su Borough School District’s Burchell High School partnered to offer high school students a two-week intensive summer academy focused on science. The academy was funded by a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, which has also funded other programs at Burchell. Students received high school science credit for successfully completing the academy.
More details are in UAA’s “Green and Gold News” from June 10, 2015. http://greenandgold.uaa.alaska.edu/blog/34938/sheep-hearts-and-crime-scenes-spark-interest-in-science/ The state CTE Action Team (UA, EED, and DOLWD) recently released the revised "Common Definitions for Alaska Career and Technical Education (CTE)". The definitions were created to standardize the language used in Alaska’s CTE and workforce development systems. These definitions will be reviewed and validated annually. Public comment is welcome to ensure these definitions are appropriate and applicable for Alaska’s CTE community. Submit your comments, questions, or suggestions to Curtis Clough, State CTE Director, at curtis.clough@alaska.gov. For a PDF copy of the definitions, which includes a "Perkins Addendum," please visit this link or click on the graphic below.  From The Alaska Construction Education Foundation (CEF) In response to industry needs for skilled Heavy Equipment Operators (HEO) and Heavy Duty Repair Technicians (HDR), CEF has worked with school districts around the state to develop ways of encouraging high school students to HEO/HDR careers. These efforts include working with local industry advisory groups to identify entry-level training and skills needed for employment or further training in their region, and developing HEO curriculum, training materials, and a HEO Program of Study, based on NCCER standards. In early June, CEF provided 2 weeks of intensive training, dubbed HEO Capstone, for 12 dedicated young Alaskans who expressed interest in heavy equipment operation or maintenance careers. The students, who were at least 18 years of age, were selected from three participating school districts: Fairbanks North Star Borough, Lake and Peninsula, and Kuspuk. This class was offered May 25 - June 6, 2015 at the Fairbanks Pipeline Training Center, and the students were housed onsite. HEO Capstone 2015 prepared these youth for the next step in their chosen career pathway. Students who successfully completed all requirements received NCCER Core and HEO Level 1 certificates and are listed in the national registry. They also received industry credentials, including First Aid/CPR, NSTC, OSHA 10, and Forklift cards. Students also prepared a resume and career plan to encourage a smooth transition to university, registered apprenticeship or to employment. The Fairbanks Daily Newsminer has a great article - and more pictures - about the program - read it online here. For more information, please contact Kathleen Castle, Executive Director, Alaska Construction Academies at Kathleen@alaskacef.org or (907) 222-0999.  The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development CTE office has launched its CTE Newsletter to provide information, resources, and highlights of upcoming CTE opportunities around the state. They are asking for examples and stories of local successes and ideas for topics to address in future newsletters. Members of the EED CTE Listserv will receive the newsletters. If you would like to join the list to receive future newsletters, please email Thomasina Andersen at thomasina.andersen@alaska.gov. To read the entire April 30, 2015 edition as a PDF document, click on the graphic below.  AVTEC, located in Seward, is a postsecondary career and technical training center administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. AVTEC's mission is to train a diverse and effective workforce that supports the economic growth and stability of our state.
AVTEC's recent newsletter highlights Women in Welding, WIA Youth grant program, tax credit donations from local businesses, and more! Read the entire newsletter here: http://wl1.peer360.com/b/P2al6KP4Lf126cG8805F/main.asp?hl=102035224&r=FHJIGJG The Atlantic Monthly's story "Getting Credit for What you Know" points out the value of "middle-skill" credentials and certifications. "Welcome to the world of competency-based alternative credentials, sometimes known as occupational certifications. They’re increasingly common in many fields, including IT, advanced manufacturing, health care, the energy sector, even hospitality and retail." The article goes on to say that, "According to the Census Bureau, some 5 percent of American adults hold occupational certifications. And alternative credentialing is poised to transform American education—driving students and employers in many fields to focus on outcomes and competency, rather than seat time and institutional prestige." Read the entire story at The Atlantic Monthly. The Center for Analysis of Postsecondary Education Employment (CPSEE) has conducted research on the value of non-degree certificates in two states. Results indicate that "certificates have positive impacts on earnings in both states overall, and in cases where there is no impact on earnings, certificates may nonetheless lead to increased probability of employment or to other benefits." Visit the CPSEE website for more information.
During 2014 Kent Winship completed his first full year as term instructor for the University of Alaska Fairbanks Bristol Bay Campus Construction Academy. He brings 35-years of residential and commercial carpentry experience into the classroom and Kent’s enthusiasm for CTE spills over into everything he does as evidenced by the growing numbers of students in the program.
His successful reputation has grown amongst his peers in the Bristol Bay region and Kent is now teaching courses in multiple communities. Last summer he partnered with Dillingham High School to deliver a program allowing students to earn dual credit as they worked toward completion of an occupational endorsement, paving the way for entry level jobs in construction upon completion. Kent’s outreach also extends beyond the Bristol Bay region. At last year’s Alaska Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) fall conference he networked with University of Alaska Anchorage Kodiak Campus. They learned their programs are similar and are now collaborating to make improvements. Kent especially enjoys observing the growth of students, like Max Bennett, who embraced the skills he learned over a summer course and has gone on to use the 3-dimensional scanner and 3d print fetal orca whale bones recovered from the Nushagak River. His enthusiasm for helping students is extraordinary and creates results. The students not only complete the spring and summer Construction Trades courses with skills that regularly land them good jobs in the field, they also earn an:
At last fall’s Alaska ACTE Professional Development Conference he was recognized for his positive and energetic attitude, and his influence on the lives of many young adults entering the world of work by being awarded the Outstanding New CTE Teacher! Congratulations, Kent, and thank you for allowing us to feature your success story this quarter. If you are interested in networking with Kent, you can contact him at 907-843-1776 or kwinship@alaska.edu. Download this entire article in PDF format. To read more CTE Success Stories, visit our Celebrate Success webpage!  We are excited to present the February 2015 CTE Plan update - and just in time to wish you a happy CTE Month! This update includes suggestions for celebrating CTE Month, an Alaska CTE success story, and the CTE Plan Scorecard, along with other highlights and upcoming events and professional development opportunities.
Click here or on the graphic to view or download the current update as a two-page PDF. We hope you will join us this quarter in doing what you can to further implement CTE in our state, especially in celebrating CTE Month and acknowledging our great CTE programs, educators, and students. Thank you for your continued support, and remember, CTE is Learning that Works for Alaska! Sincerely, The CTE Plan Action Team February is Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Alaska and across the nation, and UAA CTC invites you to join in the celebration through their “I believe in CTE because…” Facebook Campaign. To participate:
1. “Like” the UAA Community & Technical College Facebook page at www.facebook.com/uaactc . 2. Take a selfie with some aspect of your CTE work or education and post it to the UAA Community & Technical College Facebook page. 3. Caption it with “I believe in CTE because _______.” Please contact Kelly Donnelly if you have any questions. Kelly Donnelly, MPA Director of Outreach & Program Development UAA Community & Technical College 3211 Providence Dr., UC 141F Anchorage, AK 99508 907.786.6364 or kadonnelly@uaa.alaska.edu The Alaska Dispatch News reports that the Northwest Arctic Borough School District has received a grant from Verizon to purchase a 3-D printer for each of its 12 schools. The grant was one of 80 that Verizon awarded across the country to help boost STEM.
Read the ADN article here. Please note: This is an update from a previous announcement posted on Dec. 12.
From Bjørn Wolter, Ph.D. Career & Technical Education Alaska Department of Education & Early Development The CTE Perkins Spring Workshop will be held at the downtown Hilton, March 2-4, 2015. A group rate of $99/night is available if booked by February 20th. EED/CTE will only reimburse at this rate. Please use the attached registration form to request monetary support from EED for travel to the workshop. This form is due no later than close of business on February 20th. Please note that due to a change in the new Uniform Grant Guidance (OMB Super-Circular) that takes effect December 26th, we are no longer allowed to offer meals with the conference. You will therefore need to plan on charging your district’s grant for your per diem while attending ($60/day).
UAA's "CTC Insider" article focuses on the Alaska Middle College School, a partnership between UAA Community and Technical College and the Mat-Su Borough School District. Learn how high school students are able to work towards their Associate of Arts Degree during their last two years of high school. Read the article here.
 Register now for AVTEC's Introduction to Nautical Skills Class
According to UAA's Request for Letters of Intent, "The CTE Teacher Coaching Project is intended to support new Career & Technical Education (CTE) teachers, Type M teachers who are bringing their industry experience to the classroom and those teachers whose experience and preparation are in more traditional academic areas, but who are now responsible for delivering instruction in one or more CTE fields. The project will pair experienced CTE teacher coaches with selected educators in a peer support model. Coaching will be supplemented with three one-credit academic courses offered through the UAA Community & Technical College. For FY 15 this is a pilot project, with results intended to inform future coaching approaches."
Deadline for submission of proposals is January 15, 2015. You may download the entire Request here. Contact Kelly Donnelly, kadonnelly@uaa.alaska.edu, or 907-786-6364 with any questions. Highlighted today on our Celebrate Success page - Glenallen develops hydroponic program; students grow and sell veggies, meet with USDA Secretary. Read the entire article here.  Prepared by Citrus College in California, this 9-minute video talks about preparation for the realities of tomorrow's labor market, and speaks to making informed decisions about postsecondary options, early exploration of career choices, and the need for technical skills.
Direction and Motion Graphics: Brian Y. Marsh brianymarsh.com Written and Narrated by: Kevin Fleming teloses.com The complete transcription of the video with data references is available here: citruscollege.edu/academics/cte/Pages/default.aspx  Download a new "What is CTE" Fact Sheet from the National Association of State CTE Directors. Great overview of CTE plus quick facts about the value of CTE. Download and print the PDF fact sheet here or click on the graphic.
This makes a good companion piece to our own Alaska high school CTE fact sheet posted here last week (http://www.alaskacteplan.com/news/spotlight-on-high-school-cte-in-alaska). The Alaska Department of Education & Early Development has created six posters highlighting technical careers and the APS - a great way to advertise this opportunity to Alaska students! These posters may be printed, posted on websites, used in publications, etc. Download these printer-ready posters in PDF format below. (There are no copyright restrictions.)
 Alaska High School CTE Did you know . . .
Click here or on the image above to download this one-page infographic! Please consider spending 10 minutes to complete the CTE Common Definitions Survey this week!
The Alaska Career & Technical Education (CTE) plan seeks to “develop a CTE system for Alaskan learners that is inclusive, comprehensive and accessible” (Alaska CTE Plan, 2010). Educators, business and community partners are working together to implement this vision and create a CTE system in Alaska. Having common CTE definitions can assist in the conversations and work involved with the implementation. Multiple stakeholders have contributed to the recommended CTE definitions for Alaska and now we are requesting additional feedback from secondary, postsecondary, business and industry stakeholders. Please consider spending 10 minutes to complete the CTE Common Definitions Survey. The data collected from this survey will be referenced in determining common CTE definitions for the State of Alaska or to determine if different definitions are needed. This survey is anonymous and although direct quotes may be used, they will not be attributed to a specific individual. After analyzing the survey responses, we will post the CTE Definitions document on the CTE Plan website (www.alaskacteplan.com). Thank you for your ongoing commitment to CTE in Alaska! Is there a CTE program, student, teacher or instructor, administrator, or supporter you want us to highlight? Please download and complete the form below - or ask the appropriate person to do that, then email it to Marcia.Olson@Alaska.Gov, and we'll add it to our Celebrate Success page (http://www.alaskacteplan.com/celebrate-success.html).
Celebrating CTE Success - Share Your Story - Information Form (fillable PDF) Webmaster's note: The hydroponic greenhouse and the horticulture curriculum were supported by CTE Plan Implementation grants awarded to Southeast Island School District in FY13 and FY14.
From KRBD - Ketchikan FM Community Radio, by Emily Files, September 18, 2014 There are no restaurants in the approximately 500-person town of Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island. But that looks like it’s going to change. Southeast Island School District, which serves Thorne Bay and several other rural schools, is buying a vacant restaurant from the city. They’re going to use food from school greenhouses and a bakery to provide fresh meals for residents and business experience for students. It will be called the Thorne Bay Café. The Southeast Island School District hired Susan Powell, a restaurant manager from Oregon, to take charge of the café. She listed some of the entree possibilities: “Carnitas tacos, ‘cause we have the great tortillas from Coffman Cove. Maybe a taco salad, you know, some Mexican things. A barbeque pork sandwich. A Philly cheese steak or chicken cheese steak. A couple different kinds of soup every day ‘cause we’re going into winter.” She’s still working on the menu. But she plans to use produce from four school greenhouses. And she’ll get bread and tortillas from a small bakery run by the Coffman Cove school. “I think the main goal is to support the schools and promote their products and to have student involvement,” Powell said. Megan Fitzpatrick is Thorne Bay’s 7th through 12th grade teacher. She said this restaurant is one more fruit to spring from the labor and success of the student-run greenhouse. The school district starting operating the hydroponic greenhouse in Thorne Bay in February. To read the entire story, visit this link. By Scarlett Wilson, Published September 21, 2014
So you’ve just finished year 11 and you’ve been thrown into the big wide world – which can be a pretty scary time to say the least. It can be difficult to decide what to do after you finish your GCSEs and it doesn’t help that there are some many options to choose from. But a pretty common question is; “Do I go to college or do an apprenticeship?” This can be a stressful time, because you’ve got to try and make your mind up about what you actually want to do in life. It’s important to think carefully about your decision – you don’t want to be back to square one in six months because you’ve decided you don’t want to be an apprentice anymore. Remember that this this is your life so you’ve got to think carefully about what suits you! We’ve come up with some pros and cons of choosing an apprenticeship over college. Hopefully this will help you make the right decision. Read the entire article here. |
