Integrating CTE advocacy into discussions about core academics.

Integrating CTE advocacy into discussions about core academics. IF YOU HAVE NOT YET READ ACTE'S LATEST ISSUE BRIEF,"CTE'S ROLE IN ADOLESCENT LITERACY, make sure to review AlishaHyslop's article on page 18 in this issue of Techniques. Thearticle provides a synopsis of the Issue Brief, which outlines theadolescent literacy challenges the nation is facing and includesinformation and examples of career and technical education (CTE)programs that are helping the many students who are struggling withliteracy skills. It's clear that more needs to be done to ensureall students have the basic core academic skills needed to succeed inthe workplace, and in life for that matter. CTE has a lot to offer and needs to be a part of the policydiscussions related to this topic. For instance, many of today'sCTE programs require higher levels of core academic competency than thegeneral academic curriculum. While students followed a strictly academicor CTE path in the past, many are following an academic-CTE blended pathtoday in order to get the added value needed for their resumes andcareers. One of the most significant academic policy discussions takingplace at the national level is that of common core state standards. TheNational Governors Association (NGA) and the Council of Chief StateSchool Officers (CCSSO), which represents state education departmentleaders, has initiated an ambitious effort intended to develop a commoncore of state standards in English-language arts and mathematics. ACTEhas been weighing in on these discussions to ensure that the linkbetween CTE and academics is strong. In October, ACTE submitted a statement to the NGA and CCSSOconcerning the development of the common core college- and career-readystandards. The statement is available on the "Issues andAdvocacy" Web page of the ACTE Web site. Some of our basicpositions promoted in that document and through our conversations withleaders in the common core movement are: * "Career-readiness" skills vary depending on the careerpath of the individual. * Students must be able to apply academic skills in the workplacein order to truly be considered "career ready." * Students will also need technical and employability skills inaddition to academic skills in order to be fully "careerready." * "College ready" should be defined in broad terms toinclude two-year postsecondary institutions and other forms of highereducation. CTE advocates should be seeking opportunities to be involved in thecommon core and other core academic discussions at all levels. ACTEPast-president Bryan Albrecht is serving on the national validationcommittee that is reviewing the final college- and career-ready and K-12standards. If you are a local practitioner, the obvious place to startis with local administrators. Remember that advocacy comes in many forms and simply bringingawareness to issues that have not been considered could lead to positivechange. For instance, I recently spoke to a CTE member who broughtseveral core academic teachers from her school with her to ACTE'sAnnual Convention. Prior to the event, these teachers were skepticalabout why they should be involved in CTE issues. After participating inthe Convention they were not only "sold" but were excitedabout the prospect of a more integrated academic-CTE work environmentand what it could mean for their students and themselves professionally.Remember as you enter these conversations that you have a supportnetwork through ACTE. Use the ACTE "Issues and Advocacy"pages, the Issue Briefs, Techniques articles, message boards, and otherprofessional development events to support your work and your advocacy. Advocacy Challenge Use the ACTE Issue Brief "CTE's Role in AdolescentLiteracy" to discuss with your local administrators the importanceof CTE related to core academic issues. Encourage them to include CTEprograms in schoolwide efforts to increase student academic achievement. Stephen DeWi is senior director of public policy at ACTE. He can becontacted at 703-683-9311, or at sdewitt@acteonline.org. ACTE You can read more about ACTE's policy activities and thelatest happenings in Washington, D.C., on ACTE's CTE Policy Watchblog. Check it out today at www.acteonline.org/ctepolicywatchblog.aspx.