Career Technical Education broadens its reach to middle schools in Visalia Unified
Visalia Unified School District is taking a significant step forward in preparing its students for the future by expanding its Career Technical Education (CTE) program to middle schools. The purpose of the "CTE Career Experience" course is to expose middle school students to various career opportunities earlier, setting them up for success as early as possible.
Superintendent Kirk Shrum believes that some students struggle to find a field they like, which may prevent them from spending enough time to earn industry certifications. By introducing the CTE program to middle school students, the district aims to provide them with the opportunity to gain practical skills and knowledge in various career fields.
The expansion of the CTE program has already generated significant interest, with 500 students district-wide enrolled in the course. Amy Frame, the CTE program manager, expects word of the program to spread and for it to be popular among middle school students.
The CTE program in middle school will offer students a chance to get a head start on a career. In high school, Visalia Unified students can choose a pathway from various fields such as electrical, engineering, or agriculture. However, the middle school CTE program will provide a broader exposure, with each semester focusing on exploring at least three different industry sectors, including HVAC, home maintenance, welding, and robotics.
Students will work on hands-on projects as part of the labs. For example, they will disassemble four-stroke engines and grow plants. They will also be introduced to professionals working in each industry and learn about their education, career pathways, and experiences.
The goal of the CTE program is to provide middle school students with early career awareness and readiness. By starting the process sooner, students will have more time to explore different career paths and earn relevant certifications. The district collaborated with industry partners and College of the Sequoias to determine what should be offered in the CTE program.
The benefits of expanding CTE to middle schools typically include increased student engagement and motivation through relevant, applied learning experiences. It also helps in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, early career awareness, and building a pipeline for skilled workers aligned with community and industry needs.
For exact curriculum details and formal benefits specific to Visalia Unified's middle school CTE expansion, the district’s official curriculum or educational services department would need to be consulted directly.
Starting this year, middle school students will have the opportunity to enroll in the "CTE Career Experience" course. The course is designed to help students make informed decisions about their future careers. The district hopes that by setting students up for success as early as possible, they can open up a world of possibilities for students in the Visalia Unified School District.
- By providing middle school students with the opportunity to engage in the "CTE Career Experience" course, Visalia Unified School District is fostering education-and-self-development, with a view to help students make informed decisions about their future careers.
- Through hands-on projects and exposure to various industry sectors such as HVAC, home maintenance, welding, and robotics, the expanding Career Technical Education (CTE) program aims to facilitate career-development and learning for students, enabling them to have a head start on a career and explore different paths early on.
