Overcoming Obstacles to CTE in Alt Ed

OVERCOMING OBSTACLES TO CTE IN ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

Here are three techniques you can use to overcome the obstacle of limited space :

1. When working with limited space, look for scalable CTE programs that can work in different environments. 2. Identify 1 - 2 classrooms with built - in storage, sinks, electricity or more working space than others to begin with, so you can still offer hands - on learning. 3. Challenge your team with envisioning how a CTE classroom can be multipurpose - for example, could it serve as BOTH a lecture space for English and a lab for electrical wiring practices?

Limited Resources Continued: Teachers One of the most common questions I hear is: “ How can I offer CTE programs if I don ’ t have instructors with CTE credentials? ” Here are a few approaches to the obstacle of CTE - credentialed teachers : 1. Are you serving middle school students? Implement a career exploration course introducing students to different industry sectors using CALPADS course code 9236 - which doesn ’ t require a CTE credential.

Example of a Layout for a Paxton/Patterson Alt Ed Lab Implementation

2. Help your existing teachers earn a CTE credential. The most intimidating requirement for a CTE credential is 3 years (or 3000 hours) of work experience in a specific industry sector, with 1 year (or 1000 hours) having occurred within the past 5 years or 2000 hours within the last 10 years. However, that experience can be paid or unpaid; applicable coursework can be substituted for two out of three years, and teaching experience can also count towards this requirement. So, survey your teachers - do any of them have “ side jobs ” doing construction projects on weekends, a photography business for weddings during the summer, or something similar? If so, they may meet the requirements without even knowing it. Check with your district or county office of education for guidance regarding CTE credentialing. They may have a preferred program they recommend, or advice regarding funding and how it may or may not be used to assist your teachers with this process. Your LEA may also have incentivization measures in place for teachers who earn CTE credentials, which may make it financially desirable for them to get their credential.

Want to learn more about CTE credentialing? This recorded presentation by Bridget Mondt of Orange County Department of Education covers this and many other CTE credentialing topics, and OCDE has a remote CTE credentialing program option.