PARTNERSHIP TO DOs

 

 

 

Market success stories from past students progression from CTE to where they currently are in the job market. Not only stressing those who started in one area and remain in that area but those who used the initial area of study to propel themselves to a different area of study successfully.  Market to parents and industry leaders.

 

Include CTE as part of the NCSBA school board training.

 

Provide opportunities for business and educators (CTE) to partner (more of what we did today). Provide activities to encourage business and CTE to share such as Rowan County’s “Walk in my Shoes”.   On-site visits such as today (Robinson HS) are valuable.

 

 Contact Chambers of Commerce-find out what programs are in place around the region that are working to involve business more.

Have Chambers develop criteria for what businesses want in HS graduates.  Are we (CTE) aligned with that? Is there a way to incorporate work experience for HS course credit?  Should the Pathways require a certain # of paid or unpaid hours for graduation?

 

Business and Industry into the schools to: 1. Hold career sessions with students in real-world activities 2. Speak to and attend PTA-PTO organizations 3. Develop local CTE partnerships with schools and industry. 4. Sponsor student competitions in CTE such as the “Electronics Blast” in Stanly County.

 

Interactive website marketed to students, parents, school administrators with video clips, employer testimonials on the virtues of CTE.  Billboard campaign.  Stand up displays at businesses with the tag line “Learn the Business of Life” incorporating images of successful students/employers/teachers (add a central phone contact number and website address).

 

Schools-Administration-Circle of Support-CTE not a ‘Stepchild” to the rest of the system

Parents-Belief in what’s right for their child-Understanding that college is still an option (if take CTE Courses)

Students-Not boring-Flexibility in learning styles-I can get a real job in this field!

 

Showcase student success (after or before graduation) using a variety of media “Student of the Week”, local newspaper, radio spots, TV, School publications/announcements/awards, Billboards, school assembly, student ambassadors to middle school, posters.

 

Invite students to various meetings-rotary, church groups, business settings-seminars, retreats, etc to share their story.  Encourage members of the business community to participate as speakers in class, PTSO meetings (not only CEOs but other workers).  Both sets of speakers should be able to address skills sets, job potentials/availability, and value of CTE courses.

 

Meet with organizations (Rotary, PTOs, Lions, etc.) to share success stories of how students who follow the CTE route a) stayed in school; b) found employment in a rewarding field and c) contributed to the community 2, 5, 10 years past graduation.  This could be done with a regionally produced professional video or multi-media presentation.

 

Market CTE by exposure to media (TV, newspapers, local magazines, billboards) showcase students work and accomplishments.

 

Share results of an “industry study” for the county with parents/students as to the skills needed for employment.

 

Produce a video showing the Cabarrus County model featuring students describing their experiences and instructors telling their successes.

 

Survey parents & students on what would make CTE attractive for the student and parent.

 

Find a way to capture on paper information relative to the unemployed Pillowtex (or other) worker with regard to how they are having to NOW go back and get their HS degree, learn a trade, etc. and share it with parents and students (so they see the impact their choices and don’t make the same mistake).

 

Put out an RFP to marketing firms to develop a presentation and proposal to market CTE.

 

Have students from high school-middle school do an exhibition of the types of careers/classes available when middle school students register as freshmen.  Business could also be involved showcasing their businesses and skills needed. This could be done at middle school during the school day and/or at PTA meetings or as a field trip to the local high school.