Frequently Asked Questions
What is Career Technical Education (CTE)?
Career and Technical Education is a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrate core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers. Our courses teach high school students to succeed in careers and college in a professional, hands-on environment. Courses are offered within a variety of industry sectors where students can explore and develop technical skills that will lead them to higher education or into the workplace.
How are CTE classes structured?
Each CTE Course is part of a sequence of courses related to a particular occupation called a “pathway”. Multiple pathways are part of an industry sector.
Why take a CTE course?
CTE courses are sequenced to create pathways for students in a course of study, which can lead to employment and/or post-secondary education opportunities. CTE can help students get the experience needed to get a job of their choice and explore careers in a variety of fields. Many classes include the opportunity to job shadow in a business or industry within our community.
How are CTE classes unique?
CTE classes are conducted in classrooms equipped to industry standards. Most courses are a combination of classroom instruction and work-based learning (WBL). Classes are taught by highly-qualified professionals from the industry who are credentialed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to teach in their areas of expertise.
How does a student become a “Pathway Completer”?
A CTE Pathway “Completer” is a student who completes a CTE pathway sequence (concentrator and capstone courses within the same area of study) and passes the capstone course with a C- or better. Students should work with their Academic Counselor and Career Counselor to select the pathway that best meets their career interests.
Are CTE classes A-G Approved?
Yes. Most of our CTE courses are A-G approved.
Can I get a job after completing a CTE Pathway?
Yes. CTE courses are aligned to CTE Anchor Standards which reflect the expectations from business and industry and most offer entry level industry certifications. Students enrolled in CTE courses will master sector-specific core academic standards, communication skills, create a career and education plan, apply technology, utilize critical thinking, practice personal health, understand financial literacy, act as a responsible citizen, model integrity, ethical leadership and effective management, work productively in teams, demonstrate creativity and innovation, employ reliable research strategies and understand the environmental, social and economic impacts of decisions. Thus, students who complete a CTE Pathway are better prepared to obtain entry level employment after high school.
