Newton County Schools' Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Program offers innovative Programs of Study which help prepare students for work force readiness. Innovative programs of study are offered at all three high schools and the Newton College and Career Academy. Programs are also delivered through collaboration with Georgia Piedmont Technical College. Programs are structured through the offering of Career Pathways.
Programs are offered in the following areas:
- Agriculture
- Business and Computer Science
- Architecture, Construction, Communication, Transportation (ACCT)
- Healthcare Science
- Engineering and Technology
- Marketing Sales and Services
- Family and Consumer Science
- Education
- Culinary Arts
- Government and Public Safety
Program of study is the terminology assigned by federal legislation (Perkins IV) to describe a
"state approved program, which may be adopted by local education agencies and post-secondary
institutions to be offered as an option to students when planning for and completing future course
work, for career and technical content areas." (Hull, Dan, Career Pathways Education with a
purpose, CORD Communications, pg. 4, Ap. 2006)
According to federal legislation, a program of study:
- will incorporate and align secondary and post-secondary education;
- will include academic and CTAE content in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses;
- may include the opportunity for secondary students to acquire post-secondary credits;
- will lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the post-secondary level, or an associate or baccalaureate degree;
- will identify and address current or emerging occupational opportunities.
The current and future work force will require students to have both academic skills and specialized technical skills. In addition, students will be required to have foundational skills which will be key to success in all future career paths. Central to all of the Programs of Study will be eleven Foundation Skills. These competencies not only link Career, Technical and Agricultural to the state's academic standards but the skills also provide learners a broad foundation for managing lifelong learning and career transitions in a rapidly changing economy. Additionally, with the core standards, integral activities of the student organizations will be enhanced.
The Foundation Skills cover the following areas:
- Technical Skills
- Academic Foundations
- Communications
- Problem Solving and Critical Thinking
- Information Technology Applications
- Systems
- Safety, Health and Environment
- Leadership and Teamwork
- Ethics and Legal Responsibilities
- Career Development
- Entrepreneurship
In addition to Career Pathway Programs, support services for students with disabilities are provided through CTI(Career Technical Instruction). These services are designed to support students with disabilities who are enrolled in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) classes. The goal of the secondary (grades 9-12) level services is to provide these students with job-entry skills at the completion of the CTAE experience. The role of the Career and Technical Instruction (CTI) coordinator is to provide resource assistance to students with disabilities who are served under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) in the CTAE program and coordinate the services needed for the learner to acquire his/her goal of job placement. Students are served collaboratively by special education teachers to ensure delivery of appropriate accommodations in their education classes and assist in coordination of the services needed to acquire future employment.
CONTACT INFO:
Dr. Tim Schmitt
Director of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education
770-787-1330 ext. 1273