Alexandria City Public Schools

Home » News Releases » 2009-2010 » February 1, 2010

T.C. Williams High School Observes National Career and Technical Education Month

Students and faculty at T.C. Williams High School will celebrate National Career and Technical Education Month with a variety of activities throughout February. This year's theme is "Career Tech: Invest in Your Future," which will highlight the critical need for career and technical education (CTE) programs to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be competitive in today's global economy.

This month-long celebration of CTE kicks off with National Job Shadow Day and concludes with National Entrepreneurship Week USA.

"The activities planned over the next month will illustrate the rigor and relevance CTE courses offer our students," said Leola Battle, CTE department chair of the school. "By partnering with the business community, CTE programs are investing in students' lives with the latest technology and skills that will prepare them to become successful employees as well as future leaders."

Other T.C. Williams CTE Month activities include the following:

  • A main office display of student project work samples from each of the four CTE departments: Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Occupations and Marketing
  • CTE displays featured at lunch periods to encourage students' interest in CTE
  • Recognition of a different CTE teacher each day of the month
  • Highlighting a CTE student during the month
  • Production of an online CTE newsletter, "Pathways," highlighting CTE programs
  • Former CTE students coming back to share their experiences in the classes

CTE is a major part of the solution to myriad of national economic and workforce problems, such as high school dropout rates, a weakened economy, global competitiveness and massive layoffs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly one-third of the fastest growing occupations will require an associate's degree or a postsecondary vocational certificate. Research also indicates that 80 percent of current and emerging occupations require two-year technical degrees, while just 20 percent require baccalaureate degrees.

For more information about CTE, contact T.C. Williams High School at 703-824-6898.

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