Published on: Wednesday, April 08, 2009

By Nancy S. Grasmick, Maryland state superintendent of schools

Maryland’s Career and Technology programs are the 21st century model of what many Marylanders will remember as “vocational education.” Unlike yesterday’s “voc tech,” Career and Technology Education prepares students for college as well as careers.  In addition to completing a full academic course-load, CTE students also take a minimum of four sequential technical courses that require them to apply and extend what they have learned in math, science and English classes.

Coupling technical and academic learning gives students an edge when they enter college or the workplace.  In Maryland 49 percent of last year’s CTE graduates completed a rigorous academic program that met the University System of Maryland’s entrance requirements. CTE programs are expanding in scope and size.  Traditional programs, such as Automotive Technology, Culinary Arts, Construction Trades, and Business Education, have been updated to reflect 21st century expectations. CTE programs prepare students for careers in engineering, biomedical sciences, IT networking and interactive media. There are currently 48 different state approved programs of study offered, and since CTE programs are closely aligned with regional economies and workforce needs, Local School Systems determine which CTE programs will best align with the needs of their communities and regions. To assist them, the MSDE has worked with its business and education partners to create 48 model programs of study that incorporate industry standards and offer technical certifications and articulated credit.

More students than ever are participating in CTE!  During the last school year, 128,600 high students enrolled in CTE courses, and almost 20 percent of the Class of 2008 completed a state-approved CTE program. Programs include internships and/or end-of- program capstone projects, as well as offering students opportunities to earn college credits and/or industry-recognized certifications and licensures.

The success of the program is also attributed to business partnerships. Throughout the state, representatives of Maryland’s workplaces work closely with the nine CTE high schools, 16 CTE centers and 192 comprehensive high schools offering CTE programs of study. Local Advisory Councils and Program Advisory Committees help keep curriculum current, instruction relevant, and industry representatives active in classrooms.

The nation needs students better prepared in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) disciplines, and there are many new career opportunities expected from Maryland’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan.  Many CTE programs of study can help students prepare for both of these opportunities as a part of their high school experience.  To learn more about Maryland’s Career and Technology Education programs of study go to: www.MarylandPublicSchools.org.  Click CTE programs under “Highlights.”

Nancy Grasmick is the Maryland state superintendent of schools.