What is Career and Technical Education (CTE)?
CTE is a combination of academic, employability, leadership, and technical skills that help students achieve success in education and life. CTE programs are designed to engage students and allow them to explore, compete, and succeed as lifelong learners, equipped for our changing economy and their own path to success. CTE works in collaboration with business and industry partners to help our students fill positions that are available today, while closing the skills gap and preparing a qualified workforce for the high-skilled, high-demand, high-wage careers of tomorrow. CTE programs are developing Washington’s most valuable resource – its youth.
Today, in our rapidly changing economy it is more important than ever for us to recognize that education and skills are needed for all students. We call these skills 21st Century Skills. Take a look at this video about “Success In The New Economy: How Prospective College Students Can Gain A Competitive Advantage” by Brian Marsh. It provides a compelling case for exploring careers early in order to make informed decisions about college/educational goals. As part of this challenge, Washougal School District is working diligently with students to assist them in developing their “High School and Beyond Plans”. This plan is developed with the assistance of their Career Specialist (Lisa Leonard) using an online program called “Career Cruising”. This program allows students to explore their personal strengths in order to determine careers they might be interested in pursuing. Students then develop a four-year plan of courses that align with their career interests and post-secondary goals. The plan is developed as early as the eighth grade and reviewed annually by students in cooperation with counselors, career specialist and parents. Career Cruising provides activities that encourage students to explore their learning styles, abilities and career and education interests, set goals relative to their future, and then compile school and community involvement throughout sixth through 12th grades in an electronic portfolio.
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Architecture & Construction:
Worksite Learning* is also available to students who have successfully completed and passed a CTE course. This course allows students the opportunity to be involved in an internship (could be paid or unpaid) within their career pathway giving them experience in the workplace while receiving high school as well as potentially college credit too. If interested, come to the Career Center for more information.
*These courses are articulated with Clark College. Students can earn college credit through Clark College for successful completion of these courses with a “B” or higher. Students must complete a Direct Credit Student Registration online form within three weeks of course completion. This form is available from Clark College.
Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math:
How can you get involved?
There are many ways to get involved with Washougal CTE Programs from being a guest speaker in our classrooms to becoming a member of our Advisory Committee(s). Your professional experience can positively impact the future of our students. We welcome your involvement. Should you have any questions or want more information, please contact us for more information.
Margaret Rice (CTE Director) margaret.rice@washougalsd.org or (360) 954-3121
Lisa Leonard (Career Specialist) lisa.leonard@washougalsd.org or (360) 954-3117
Sharon Watts (Assistant, WHS Career Center) sharon.watts@washougalsd.org or (360)954-3119
