New career tech standards open for comment through Sept. 19
Published: September 11, 2012
As part of the ongoing integration of all California’s academic standards to align with the Common Core State Standards, draft learning goals for 59 career paths in 15 industries are now open for comment through Sept. 19.
The new career technical education standards are outlined on the California Department of Education website, where comments may be submitted online. Comments may also be made at one of two public hearings, as the Web page details: Sept. 17 in Los Angeles or Sept. 19 in Sacramento.
If approved by the State Board of Education, the standards would serve as guidelines for lesson plans in grades 7-12 to help students master the demands of a technologically advanced workplace. They build on previous CTE standards and were drafted with input from more than 300 people from business, industry, labor and the secondary and postsecondary education sectors, and were reviewed by others in the education community.
Comment encouraged
The opportunity to comment on the new CTE standards is an important part of improving career technical education and ensuring that the standards are integrated with the Common Core standards, noted CSBA Policy and Program officer Christopher Maricle.
“Boards will recognize that having local teachers review and give feedback on the CTE standards is an excellent professional development opportunity,” Maricle said. “By contributing to the CTE standards, teachers will be extending the depth of their own understanding of the Common Core standards.”
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson also encouraged public comment on the draft CTE standards.
“I want all students to have the skills they need for demanding careers or the rigors of college after graduating from high school,” Torlakson said. “That’s why it is so important for all Californians have input on these new standards to assure that our students have the best programs to help them succeed and prepare for the future.”