“We continuously
review our programs
by engaging with
community leaders in
business and industry,
government entities,
post-secondary
community colleges
and universities,
advisory boards,
and economic
indicators,” said
Anson County Schools Administrator for
CTE Steve Dutton. “We plan to offer more
programs through the interpretations of our
continuous improvement processes, data
analysis and economic indicators, we look
ahead to identify pathways and skills that
are aligned to our community, region and
industry growth models.”
Dutton added students have the opportunity
to learn through utilizing advanced
resources, technologies, standards and
techniques are relevant to today’s industry
standards, which helps to build a more
talented workforce in the community and
region.
“Students have the opportunity to earn
many different industry-recognized
credentials and certifications associated with
their pathway choices,” Dutton said. “These
credentials and certifications are indicators
for employers that our students are prepared
with the skills needed to be competitive
employees, already trained in the specific
skills sets valued by industry standards,
immediately prepared to be productive
members of their organization.”
Anson County students have had favorable
responses since it allows them to explore
their career interests and be able to define
26 • PROGRESS 2020
Students are able to gain real life experience through CTE programs and work with profes-
sionals in the industry to determine if it will be the right fit for them. The students are able
to work hands on in the various fields and gain licenses and get college credits for taking the
classes to help push them forward in their career path before graduation.
what their career interests are from various
perspectives.
“It also provides them with important career
indicators like what type of educational
background they will need, skills that need
to be developed, and hands-on experience
through Work-Based Learning (WBL)
opportunities, such as job shadowing
and internships, which provides a
comprehensive learning experience while
exploring and preparing for their career
interests,” Dutton said. “Most of our CTE
students become completers in their
preferred pathways, with many seeking
advanced certifications or certificates
through South Piedmont Community
College (SPCC).”
The programs are supported through
partnerships within the community and
region through a district CTE Advisory
Board that includes businesses, local
government and economic development.
“We work collaboratively with teachers,
CTE administration and support staff,
school administration and support staff,
school guidance counselors, data managers,
and district-level leadership to design and
develop individual course schedules for
every student that not only meets state
graduation guidelines but also builds
individualized pathway plans focused on
completing their pathways of choices,”
Dutton said.
As CTE courses continue to grow in schools
it helps prepare students more for the world
outside of high school and helps them in
the workforce. Locally these programs
are growing and have helped hundreds of
students learn which careers they enjoy
and ones they don’t, providing them with a
plan of how they can get where they want
to be after they walk across the stage at
graduation.
Richmond County Schools was contacted
for this story, but did not give a response.