Career and Technical Education

Introduction

The goal of Career/Technical Education in Decatur City Schools is to provide students access to a flexible system of rigorous school and work based learning planned collaboratively by students, parents, educators and local advisory boards. This system will result in graduates having state and nationally industry-recognized credentials and preparations for advanced study or employment. The curriculum is designed to provide content that is student-centered, allowing career pathways that include academic and Career/Technical Education courses specifically directed to students' key interests and required skills. Upon graduation, students are prepared for postsecondary education, apprenticeship programs, employment; as well as individual, family, employer and community success.

The twenty-first century global economy places a premium on innovation, customization, new business models, and new ways for organizing work. To succeed in this new environment, individuals and organizations must continually acquire new skills and new ways of managing knowledge and information. Depth of knowledge and refinement of skills must continually increase for workers to be more productive; find and keep high-skill, high-wage jobs; and advance in careers. It has been discovered by research that approximately 80% of the jobs in the future will be technical in nature while only about 20% will require a full Baccalaureate degree in order to be employed. Students with Career/Technical studies in the high school years often make better and more informed choices in the postsecondary education selection process.

Career/Technical programs strive to keep pace with the rapid changes in business and industry not only in Decatur but also globally by offering students high caliber learning experiences that are in a continuous process of review and improvement. Programs are certified every five years to either state or national standards of excellence. Career/Technical educational experiences expand student opportunities for becoming successful and productive citizens in an ever-changing global economy.