Supe's On: CTE programs expand BV learning opportunities

February serves as Career & Technical Education Month. Career & Technical Education places an emphasis on the employability skills of problem solving, critical thinking, responsibility, and technical skills directly related to specific career pathways. CTE in today’s world is innovative and engages students in rigorous and relevant curriculum. The Brandon Valley School District is continually working to expand opportunities and course offerings for students, which include CTE opportunities and paid apprenticeships.

Career & Technical Education has a positive impact on student outcomes. Research demonstrates a students’ participation in CTE:

• Increases the likelihood of on-time graduation;

• Increases academic motivation, engagement, and achievement;

• Increases post-secondary aspirations and enrollment;

• Reduces the likelihood of dropping out of high school.

Our Strategic Plan defines our aspirations of 100 percent of BV graduates being college and career ready. Further, BV Vision 2040 clearly outlines our commitment to rigorous and relevant CTE programming and school-business partnerships. In addition to CTE opportunities, work-based learning can help students apply and extend classroom learning, gain motivation and understanding, explore careers and develop critical understanding of the work environment.

“Active Learners” are motivated, engaged, and able to apply what they have learned and understand. Further, we must work to provide our “Active Learners” opportunities for career exploration by providing a foundational knowledge and authentic opportunities for our kids to pursue their aspirations. 

Go Lynx!