Career & Technical Education
An Oregon Career and Technical Education Program of Study (CTE POS) is a sequence of courses,
aligned to industry standards at the secondary and post-secondary level, that integrates technical and
career skill proficiencies with academic content. A CTE POS prepares students for the workplace, further
education, training, and community roles in high wage and high demand jobs in the following Career Areas:
- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Systems
- Arts, Information and Communication
- Business and Management (including Hospitality and Tourism)
- Health Sciences
- Human Resources
- Industrial and Engineering Systems
The Beaverton School District currently offers 33 CTE Programs of Study across six comprehensive high
schools and one option high school.
CTE Prepares Students for Post-Secondary Opportunities
CTE students explore career pathways that prepare them for their next steps after graduation. CTE provides a path for all students whether their post high school plans involve entering the workforce, attending a technical program, applying for an apprenticeship program, or attending a two year or four year college. Students acquire the behaviors and attributes needed to meet the expectations of college and the working world by building technical skills and applying academic knowledge needed to solve real world problems. College instructors and employers agree that real-world learning greatly improves a student’s preparedness with respect to critical thinking, work and study habits, communication, and other key traits.
CTE Connects Talents and Interests to Careers
CTE students gain technical and academic skills through a sequence of courses that prepare them for their future career. They engage in real-world projects using industry standard equipment and technology. The hands-on approach allows students to experience a workplace similar to the field. Students stay engaged in school when they are able to directly apply their learning to their chosen career path.
Students Engage in Career Development Activities
CTE students explore career options beginning in their introductory CTE courses where they learn about jobs and post-secondary training and education through guest speakers, web research, and college/career fairs. Students further their career exploration in their intermediate CTE courses by engaging in informational interviews, undertaking career focused projects, and participating in classroom simulations. Advanced CTE students gain real-world experience through work-based learning that requires interactions with industry professionals and application of their knowledge and skills.
Students Develop Employability Skills
Employers overwhelmingly say that the most valuable employee skills are soft or employability skills such as professionalism, teamwork, time management, problem-solving and communication. CTE prepares students for their next steps by developing the applicable skills needed for success in any field. “The abilities students learn in college to take into a job are important, but 92% of human resources professionals say that soft skills matter as much or more” (Global Talent Trends Report). CTE students are career ready, as well as college ready.
CTE Provides a Successful Transition to College and Career
CTE is a proven strategy that increases high school graduation rates and academic proficiency. The average high school graduation rate in the BSD for CTE concentrators is over 97%, compared to the state graduation rate of 83%. CTE integrates rigorous academic and technical content. Students that persist in CTE are significantly more likely to pass the state reading and math assessments than their peers who do not participate in CTE. CTE programs are aligned to post-secondary programs in order to support a seamless transition for students. CTE programs work to remove potential barriers for students and ensure all students fulfill their potential.
CTE Aligns to High-wage, High-Demand Jobs
CTE prepares students for the workplace, further education, training, and community roles. Many CTE students enroll in a four-year college program after high school, but other students follow a different career path. CTE programs prepare students to enter occupations prioritized in Oregon such as software developers, marketing managers, mechanics, carpenters, elementary teachers, industrial engineers, machinists, and graphic designers. “Students who take advanced CTE courses in high school see higher earnings, including a 3.2 percent wage increase for CTE concentrators” (National Bureau of Economic Research).
CTE Delivers Opportunities
CTE students receive guidance and resources to support their transition towards a career goal or further education. Many CTE programs offer dual credit or industry-recognized credentials to their students. These opportunities enable students to gain employment directly from high school or get a start on earning college credits. Many CTE students also participate in Career & Technical Student Organizations. Students who participate in DECA (emerging leaders and entrepreneurs), Future Business Leaders of America, Skills USA, HOSA (future health professionals), etc., advance their leadership skills through competitive events.
Teachers Maintain Industry Experience
CTE teachers must complete at least 2000 hours of relevant industry work experience in their career field. Their experience helps students to acquire technical skills from welding to knife cutting techniques. Students benefit from their teacher’s first-hand understanding of professional practices and academic knowledge critical for success in the field. CTE teachers continue professional development in the field while also building their teaching practices.
Industry Professionals Support CTE Programs
Each program collaborates with an Industry Advisory Board that focuses on workforce preparedness for students. The volunteer partners provide input on current industry trends and equipment. They may also support career-related learning and work-based learning opportunities for students or advise students on post high school opportunities.