The lack of qualified employees in computer and technology fields is a perplexing issue for the United States as it strives to stay competitive in a global economy. According to an article by the Bureau of National Affairs, two of the top three toughest jobs to fill are technology related (Bureau of National Affairs, 2012, p. 6). Although there are many theories as to why more students are not choosing to major in some type of computer field, resolutions to this problem are slow in developing. Could a solution be emerging from career and technical education programs? In 2012 Microsoft Corporation sponsored a study that estimated the U.S. creates 120,000 new computer science jobs each year. Colleges and universities, however, are only graduating 49,000 students per year with degrees to fill those positions. This gap has companies scrambling to find qualified personnel and many are turning to foreign workers using the H1-B Visa program (Beach, 2013, p. 3). With 7.9 million Americans unemployed, this is not a popular choice and creates a potential image problem for companies (United States Department of Labor, 2015). Once considered a dumping ground for students who could not handle a typical high school curriculum, career and technical education has progressed over the last 30 years. Now, students from a variety of academic levels enroll in CTE programs (Hoachlander, 2008, p. 25). Additionally, pathways once considered specific to a certain gender are being
This publication, the Career Technical Education Framework for California Public Schools, is the blueprint for educators to use in implementing the career technical education (CTE) model curriculum standards adopted by the SBE. It provides a context for the content laid out by the standards, discusses best practices, and explores important issues in the implementation of those standards.
This report will provide the history of career technical education in the United States and relevance of legislative actions, laws, acts and policies beginning as early as the 18th century and continuing through current-day society. Chronologically documented, the primary focus is on the Carl D. Perkins Career Technical Education 2006, its origin, issues and effects of each amendment that led to important federal government legislations. For an understanding of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 2006 Act, an introduction section will provide information on amended acts, laws, and policies that led to the present act and career technical education. Other sections will discuss time periods of local and national legislation changes in the Carl D. Perkins Act, how they affect the present and future of career and technical education. A brief conclusion of the entire research to include summary findings and references.
In most high schools they've gotten back good reports using career and technical education. Business industry see it as a focus on preparing students for work. Educators say CTE is an alternative path for high school graduates who don't plan to go to college. Every year it’s a struggle to keep these kids interested in school work because it’s so much bad influence going on around them. So that’s why CTE decided to embarrass these students into a different type of learning skills.
From 3D printers and computers to laser engravers and tensile testers, our engineering program has had opportunities to teach its students in a professional engineering environment, making them one step ahead of everyone else in their pursue of a career. The importance of CTE can be seen in the academic and professional success of the students as well as the career success of the graduates. Funding and support, like that which comes from the Perkins Act, is key to the success and achievement of the students, in addition to ensuring that America will have a strong and educated future
It has been claimed since the 1960s, and still is in the 2000s, that Technical education programs are the major job areas of growth in the so-called high-tech and high pay jobs of the future. The truth is that health occupations is the leader of job growth and the higher paying jobs of the future. In the WTCS System 50% (9,681 of 19,358 graduates) were in health occupations and 84.5% of health occupations graduates were women.
Unlike the other forty-two states, the state of Virginia has not opted into the Common Career and Technical Core; however, Virginia does have its on set of standards for CTE programs. The programs implemented are designed to prepare students for “productive futures while meeting the commonwealth’s need for well-trained and industry certified technical workers” (VDOE CTE). Much like other states’ CTE programs, Virginia actively partners with businesses to design and provide high quality, dynamic programs capable of meeting current, emerging and projected labor market needs (VDEO CTE). Currently, CTE programs serve more than 550,00 students in grades 6-12 who can take advantage of 16 different career clusters, of which include Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Architecture & Construction, Business & Management, Education & Training, Finance, Health Science, Information Technology, Marketing, and much more. (VDOE CTE). These different clusters help students to design a rigorous and relevant plan of study to advance their career goals. As a whole, clusters seek to:
The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. It’s our mission is to provide educational leadership in developing a competitive workforce. The ACTE is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, guidance counselors and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities. ACTE is committed to enhancing the job performance and satisfaction of its members; to increasing public awareness and appreciation for career and technical programs and to assuring growth in local, state, and federal funding for these programs by communicating and working with legislators and government leaders (www.acte.org).
In America today controversy is on the rise about the desperate need for more STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workers. Many researchers have argued that STEM jobs need to be filled with more graduates that have liberal arts backgrounds. Alternatively other professionals argue that there isn’t really a shortage at all but instead a lack of STEM talent in specific areas. Educators need to encourage more students to choose majors in STEM fields. The president’s council of advisors on science and technology makes a very valid point. Over the next decade if the country were to retain its historical preeminence in science and technology, the U.S. will need to produce approximately 1 million more STEM workers. Some argue that the need to graduate more workers for STEM areas, while others admit that there is a need for more student majoring in STEM fields but also that we need more diverse students with liberal arts backgrounds. Along with more gender based diversity.
The College and Career Technical Institute aims to prepare students for employment opportunities, advanced education and productive lives. Our programs are designed to enhance student achievement and encourage responsible career choices. We want to meet students' needs, cultivate their abilities and help them realize their aspirations. The CCTI empowers our students to SUCCESS by allowing them to ACHIEVE their potential and INSPIRE them to LEAD the way to their desired careers.
This report navigates the current state of STEM demographic in the country. It examines the reasons why there are less females undertaking STEM majors and gives recommendations on the problems. A brief history on STEM is outlined and the discussion follows with in depth analysis on the subject. STEM is a very critical education discipline with an importance in the economy of the country. Much as it is important, few students choose a career path in STEM. Although, there are more than 50% female students in Colleges and Universities, 12% take STEM related course. Why is this? This report is a compilation of empirical data collected in journals on the same subject explaining
On CNN Student News, Carl Azuz discussed a story about H-1B visas. H-1B visas are something that Congress created in 1992 to bring in highly educated and specialized foreign workers into the country. George H.W. Bush said , “This bill provides for vital increases for entry on the basis of skills, infusing the ranks of our scientists and engineers”. In today’s time tech giants like Facebook and Google call them essential to their business. H1-B workers are supposed to fill shortages. Examples of these professions are computer programmers, engineers, doctors. There is one major requirement to obtain a H1-B visa. This requirement is that you have to be well educated. A reporter stated “Ninety-nine percent of H-1B workers have at least a bachelor's degree and over a half have advanced degrees”. However there is some controversy to the H-1B visa . Many critics say companies are exploiting them at the expense of the American worker. The reporter stated “Critics claim the companies are not using them to fill shortages. They say the companies are actually bringing in foreign workers so they can pay them less than
In 2005, the three reports entitled Innovative America, Tapping America’s Potential, and Rising Above the Gathering Storm, argue that if the U.S. does not improve its science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education the standard of living in the U.S. may decrease and threaten the economy and national security. The reasoning that the proponents use is that with more innovation and technological advancements, exports will increase and benefit the economy, but if there is no innovation this will harm the economy. The three reports, according to the Congressional Research Service, argue that in order to prevent these issues, we must close the academic achievement gaps in STEM, improve the quality of teachers, increase STEM labor supply, improve on international ranking assessments, produce more STEM degrees, and increase the number of H-1B visas issued. One of the most controversial subjects of the STEM movement is that companies are using H1-B visas to employ foreigners at cheaper rates rather than U.S. citizens. However, critics of the STEM movement argue that this is a strategic idea called “Brain Drain” where the U.S. is “draining” the most talented and skilled workers from other countries in order to gain an advantage on a global stage. In order for the U.S. to remain a leader in innovation and STEM education, the issue of H1-B visas needs to be addressed.
Today’s college students have the opportunity and freedom to choose their major and their career path. Many factors influence the decision of a college student’s career paths including background, general interests, personal strengths, time commitment, and job outlook. Although many important decisions are made in college, one of the most important is the choice of major and career track. Out of hundreds of majors the science and engineering fields are under-represented by women. Although the numbers of women in science technology, engineering, and mathematics, STEM, majors has been increasing in the past years, women still are in the minority in the STEM fields. In her study, Lona Whitmarsh
By increasing the number of H-1B visas every year, United States would facilitates American high-tech companies to have access to the most talented people in the world. With the recruitment of talented people over the world, the United States can create a thriving economy, and a stronger nation. Gwynne Peter and Mary Anne M. Gobble remark how the talented people can become a “Major driver of long- term economic prosperity” (Gwynne and Gobble 3). The Congress of the United States must take action immediately and approved an immigration reform to allow more talented people to come and work to the United States. Other countries like Russia, China, and Germany are looking constantly for talented people, and these countries are in direct competition with the United States. By considering, that the number of talented people is abridged, the demand for these individuals’ increases along with the demand for high-technology.
The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department and the courses taught in this department of the Danville Public School systems is required to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set forth by the Virginia Department of Education and the local school district. In addition, as a recipient of Carl D. Perkins funds, other guidelines and regulations as outlined in the grant must be followed. As student enroll and complete academic work in a CTE course, industry and work readiness certifications are available. In 2012, the General Assembly passed into law, HB 1061 and SB 489, to strengthen postsecondary education and workplace readiness opportunities for all students. (Education) The new regulation required that each student