CTE Connections

Winter 2020 - 2021

A

ND

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C AREER

A DIVISION OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

AT I O N

A N S AS

UC

ARK

TEC H NIC AL

CTE Connections Preparing Students for Future College and Career Success

Virtual s n o i t c e n Con

Education has never looked so different, but we are still finding ways to connect through Career and Technical Education! page 10 - 11

IN THIS ISSUE ARKANSAS COLLEGE APPLICATION CAMPAIGN Page 4 CAR REPORT Page 5 FEBRUARY IS CTE MONTH Page 6 WORK-BASED LEARNING Pages 7 - 8 PLAYBOOKS IN ACTION Page 12

Leadership Team Johnny Key

Secretary Department of Education

Dr. Ivy Pfeffer Deputy Commissioner Department of Education

Dr. Angela Kremers Director Division of Career and Technical Education

Sonja WrightMcMurray

Sr. Associate Director Division of Career and Technical Education

Career & Technical Education MISSION

To prepare students for future college and career success.

VISION

The Arkansas Department of Education is committed to transforming Arkansas to lead the nation in student-focused education so that every child graduates ready for college, career, and community engagement. In our 21st century economy, the lines between college, technical education, and career have been blurred. To succeed on any of these paths, our students need more complex academic skills, including creative problem solving, synthesis, and design; they need interpersonal and teamwork skills; and they need a work ethic and flexibility to thrive in an economic and technological future where change and innovation will be constant.

CORE VALUES

This vision for excellent, student-centered CTE has five key goals that are aligned with the goals in Arkansas’ ESSA plan that was approved by the U.S. Department of Education in January 2018:

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DIRECTOR’S LETTER Welcome to CTE Connections! The Division of Career and Technical Education will publish quarterly issues to highlight student successes, districts, CTE programs, and timely information. I applaud CTE students, teachers, and administrators across the state who are empowering and reenergizing CTE to prepare students for college and career. Inside this issue you will find stories that uplift how CTE students are being prepared in a continuum of career exploration to advanced programs of study leading to attainment of an industry recognized credential. Students are well-equipped to enter a future workforce ready to move our communities, our state, and nation forward toward economic recovery.

Each issue will include feature highlights and regular sections. We hope to spotlight CTE alumni, coordinators, teachers, and Guiding Coalition members along with exciting content that lifts up positive things happening! Arkansas has been recognized as a leader in student outcomes from taking CTE courses, which research shows better prepares them for college and careers. Not only are Arkansas students learning technical skills, but they are also acquiring “soft skills” or “employability skills,” which Arkansas business and industry leaders have demanded that we emphasize in workforce education. As we continue implementation of Perkins V and a statewide Professional Learning Community (PLC), we have a great opportunity to come together as a team, to be BOLD, and to re-think CTE to prepare students to fill employment needs across our great state.

CTE programs of study in the state are high-quality and offer innovative and complex, technology-driven opportunities for students. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the state’s and nation’s economy reminds us of Career and Technical Education’s role to be responsive to industry needs that encourage students to think critically and use information to make decisions and apply skills and knowledge for future career success. Thank you sincerely for all that you do to support preparing students to enter a high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand workforce.

Enjoy the issue!

Sincerely,

Angela Kremers, Ed.D., Director Division of Career and Technical Education Arkansas Department of Education

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES JANUARY

Start-Up Awards Announcement

FEBRUARY

FEB. is CTE Month!

2/9 - Virtual CTE @ The Capitol Day

2/20 - 2/27 - National FFA Week

3/5 - Virtual DECA State Conference

2/28 - 3/1 - Virtual DECA State Competitive Events

3/8 - 3/10 - Virtual HOSA State Competitive Events 3/29 - 3/30 - Virtual FBLA State Leadership Conference

MARCH

3/1 - 3/2 - Virtual FCCLA State Star Events

3/30 - WBL Accountability Reports Due 2

Entergy Arkansas, ADE Partner for Online CTE Courses

When public schools closed in the early spring some of Arkansas, some CTE students did not have access to quality instruction. As part of ADE and DCTE’s continuing commitment to drive student success, we are proud to collaborate with Entergy to deliver CTE content to Arkansas students. The Entergy Charitable Foundation has issued a grant totaling $482,000, to ADE to create a new method of reaching students during the difficult times currently affecting Arkansas.

The primary focus of the grant will be to develop 20 CTE courses for

deployment on new virtual platforms before the start of 21-22 school to secondary students. These courses will supplement a student’s understanding of CTE content. These courses will focus mainly in the area of Trade and Industry. In the autumn of 2021, these courses will be available to business and employees, for a nominal fee, to help create a means of addressing skill shortfalls for adult workers who may have missed CTE training in a secondary environment.

As Arkansas competes on the US and World stages for opportunities to recruit or expand new business

to the state, the need for a skilled workforce will become increasingly paramount. Sixty eight percent of students who complete a secondary CTE program of study go on to earn a post-secondary credential. Fifty three percent of CTE students will earn a mean wage of $55,000 annually. CTE is and will continue to be the driving force for many Arkansans to achieve a better quality of life.

For the full announcement,

please click here.

Written By Jeff Parks Program Advisor, Trade & Industry

MT. HOME HIGH SCHOOL - CAREER ACADEMIES NAMED “SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE” FOR COLLEGE AND CAREER COACH PROGRAM .

The American College Application Campaign (ACAC), which is a part of ACT’s Center for Equity in Learning announced its first annual Schools of Excellence award winners in July 2020. The 2019 Schools of Excellence, which include winners from 20 states and the District of Columbia, were chosen based on their demonstrated commitment to student success, serving as exemplary models for their state’s college application campaign and timely submission of data. Mountain Home High School - Career Academies was named a 2019 School of Excellence. Great job, Mountain Home!

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Students from Benton High School listen to virtual speakers at the opening Colledge Application Campaign event.

Submission Success

October is Arkansas College Application Campaign Month

On October 12, 2020, the Di-

and training post high school. Dr.

vision of Career and Technical Educa-

Allison Roberts, Senior Education

tion of the Arkansas Department of

Policy Advisor read the proclamation

Education (DCTE-ADE), Benton School

from the Governor’s Office declaring

District and Arkansas State University

October the Arkansas College ap-

Three Rivers partnered to host kick-

plication Month. Following that, Dr.

off event for the Arkansas College

Angela Kremers reinforced her sup-

Application Campaign at Benton

port for the program. Crystal Maxwell,

High School. This statewide annual

Career Coach at Benton High School,

campaign, sponsored by the Arkansas

organized and moderated the event.

Career Coach Program of the DCTE-

Seniors attended a virtual college fair

ADE, takes place during the month of

where colleges from across the state

October. Its purpose is to increase the

shared information about admission,

number of first-generation, low-in-

programs of study and scholarships.

come, minority, and rural community

Arkansas State University Three Rivers

students pursuing postsecondary

and the University of Arkansas at

education and training. During this

Little Rock awarded scholarships to

month, high schools across Arkansas

three students that were in atten-

help high school seniors navigate

dance at the event. The Arkansas

the complex college application and

Career Coach program is instrumental

admissions process and ensure they

in helping students with the college

apply to at least one postsecondary

and career planning process. Career

institution as well as, encourage all

Coaches work hand in hand with high

students to begin planning for life

school counselors, teachers, school

after high school.

administration and parents to sup-

port the great work they are doing.

Secretary Johnny Key kicked

off the event by welcoming the Ben-

The Arkansas Career Coach Program

ton High School students and stating

gives middle school, junior high and

the importance of higher education

high school students access to infor-

mation and experiences beyond the classroom. During this unprecedented time, the Career Coach program was modified in order to provide students with vital college and career planning services. The Arkansas College Application Campaign’s goal is to help Arkansas high school seniors begin the college application process and to understand that every student CAN go to college!

Written By Keesha Johnson Director of Admissions, ASU Three Rivers

Dr. Roberts, the Governor’s Senior Education Policy Advisor speaks at the Benton Event.

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PERKINS CORNER The Annual CAR Report Arkansas’ Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) is required to submit a Consolidated Annual Report (CAR) to the U.S. Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) each December. The report requires that each state receiving Perkins funds provide specific information. Examples of information submitted include: how funds were distributed, the number of students impacted by Perkins programs at the secondary and post-secondary levels, along with performance outcomes.

During the 2019 – 2020 funding year (7/1/2019 – 6/30/2020):

211,652

19,081

Participated in

Participated in

Perkins Programs

Perkins Programs

Secondary Students

Post-Secondary Students

Of students who participated in Perkins programs, the most popular Career Clusters for Secondary Students were:

Hospitality & Tourism 85,087 participants

Business Management & Administration

Information Technology 85,087 participants

85,087 participants

The 2019 – 2020 year was considered a ‘transition year’ from Perkins IV to Perkins V. Perkins V created changes in what states are required to report; definitions changed, some Career Pathways were changed, states now report ‘Concentrators’ (students who complete a minimum of 2 units within one program in grades 9 – 12). During the transition year, academic outcomes were not required to be reported; however, beginning with the current year (2020 – 2021), states will be reporting academic outcomes in addition to the information submitted for 2019 – 2020.

DCTE was able to use a portion of Perkins funds to begin phase I development of a comprehensive CTE portal that will be used by eligible recipients, CTE Coordinators in the field, and state staff that will align with data from the ADE Data Center and LEA Insights Dashboard. Another step forward in terms of data collection is the implementation of a data sharing agreement with the Division of Information Services (DIS) and the Division of Workforce Services (DWS) to receive employment and wage data, as well as military service information for Perkins Completers.

Written By Lydia McDonald Program Coordinator, Accountability 5

February is CTE Month.

3rd Annual Invest Fort Smith Economic Development Summit

Be on the lookout for information about events and programs including: CTE Day At The Capitol- February 9th, 2021

In partnership with 64.6 Downtown and the

Participate virtually with special greetings, school displays, and a tour of the capitol all through Zoom.

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS), Peak Innovation Center co-hosted the 3rd Annual Invest Fort Smith Economic Development Summit in conjunction with

Look for full coverage of CTE Month in the next CTE Connections issue.

Global Entrepreneurship Week. This year’s summit was designed with technology in mind to reach a broader audience with the theme of ‘Awakening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem’.

As part of the summit, Peak Innovation Center

hosted the River Valley Student Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on Thursday, November 19. We had 32 submissions from students around the region, and the top three were invited to present in person. Congratulations to first place winner Anna Cobb of Northside High School, who won a $2000 scholarship to UAFS! (she participated via Zoom, so is not pictured below) Second place went to Austin Hughes of Northside, who won a $1000 scholarship, and third place went to Carson Lane of Trinity Junior High School, who won a $500 scholarship.

Written By Gary Udouj CTE Coordinator, Fort Smith Public Schools

You’ve Got Mail.

CTE Students at Fayetteville schools showed

their appreciation through letter writing campaigns this November. Ms. Tyree’s Service Learning classes at Ramay Junior High School wrote letters to veterans to thank them for their service. The letters were given to the local VA Hospital and then distributed to veterans. In addition, HOSA - Future Health Professionals members at Fayetteville High School wrote letters to essential medical workers, thanking them for their service to the community during the pandemic.

Written By Lisa Hotsenpiller CTE Director, Fayetteville Public Schools

Pictured (l-r): Blake Rickman, UAFS; Carson Lane, Trinity Jr. High; Austin Hughes, Northside High School; Gary Udouj, Fort Smith Public Schools; Talicia Richardson, 64.6 Downtown

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Launch Your Future

Rogers Public Schools propels students into Work-Based Learning!

Rogers Public Schools has partnered with several local businesses

and industries to provide authentic work-based learning experiences for 11th and 12th grade students. Students may choose among Internship, Career Practicum and Youth Apprenticeship courses that align with career fields that students are interested in pursuing following high school graduation. These experiences also help increase awareness of jobs that are available within companies in the local community and Northwest Arkansas region.

Currently, there are over 180 students representing Rogers High School, Rogers New Technology High School and

Rogers Heritage High School participating in work-based learning experiences with companies in Northwest Arkansas.

Students enrolled in work-based learning courses at each high school recently shared feedback that highlights

the beneficial job and professional skills they have gained from their work-based learning experiences. The importance of providing authentic work experience is captured in the following feedback and quotes received from students to the question below.

What are some beneficial skills and/or information that you have learned during your work experience that will

help you prepare for a job within your chosen career field?

“Customer service skills; proficiency with common retail tools and machinery, knowledge of retail systems and computer applications, confidence in managing and

“How to run a start-up business, …handle the books for a business and how to get your product out there”

- Arkie Apparel Employee

organizing merchandise in a warehouse setting, comfort with following corporate policies and instructions, team work and team cohesion skills, gaining experience with common work environments (break room, sales floor, HR, back rooms).”

- Wal-Mart Intern

“How to communicate with patients and learning about different types of dental procedures and protocol.”

- Mint Dental WBL Participant

I have been able to gain skills in leadership, communication, customer service, teamwork cooperation, time management, and some information on how to run a business. In the future, I plan to graduate from college with a degree in Business. I am wanting to become an Entrepreneur, and being able to work at Goodwill has allowed me to gain and strengthen many of my skills. Every skill that I have been able to obtain through work will allow me to prepare for the business that I will be opening up in the future.”

“I have learned how to use Auto CAD and it will prepare me for a career in engineering.”

- Goodwill Sales Associate

- Central States Manufacturing Intern

Feedback from many other students also noted that work-based learning experiences have helped them learn

the importance of essential skills relating to communication, leadership, customer service, safety procedures, time management, computer skills, organizational skills, critical thinking, problem solving and the importance of having a good work ethic.

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Written By Dawn Stewart CTE Coordinator, Rogers School District

ng Overview 6 6 6 Arkansas Work-Based Learning Stats

DCTE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

east, and Dawson Educational Coops on new work-based learning options and accountability

2017-2018

2018-2019

2019-2020

2020-2021

25 Division of echnical Education2020 -NUMBER 2021OF SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN WBL sed Learning At the request of stakeholders, Career Practicum was added toPARTICIPATING work-based 60 learning NUMBER OF SCHOOLS INoptions WBL for NUMBER OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN WBL Schools students in unpaid positions that align to their - Present 52 program of study

60

Youth Apprenticeship and Career Practicum 52 added to Computer Science course codes were 50 40 capture students working in the CS field for both the CS Initiative and DCTE work-based learning

- 2019 50

40 accountability fined with added 30

50

50

28

30

28

30

All former work-based learning options (Agricultural 30 and Business) consolidated into the current work-based20 learning structure

eship and Pre-Apprenticeship 20 learning forParticipated on the state’s National Governors s to work based 10 with other agencies to Association state team ograms of study, apprenticeship develop a statewide work-based learning strategy nd Perkins V10 Piloting Work-Based 0 Learning Digital Platform to

2017-2018 2018-2019 arning Instructor Manuals 0 and report 2017-2018 collect 2018-2019 2019-2020 2020-2021

Internship

6 - 2021

2018-2019

6

2019-2020 2017-2018 2020-2021 2018-2019

66

256

Career Practicum

1176

1151

2019-2020

2020-2021*

Schools 1200 1000 800 600

549

433

400 200

2019-2020 0

2020-2021

2017-2018

Based Learning trainings for OF WBL COORDINATORS IN in Northwest, Central,NUMBER North- OF WBL COORDINATORSNUMBER IN DCTE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM DCTE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM on Educational Coops on new rning options and accountability

2017-2018

Youth Apprenticeship

2019-2020

6

2018-2019

*(COVID)

2020-2021

25

of stakeholders, CareerOF Practicum NUMBER STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN WBL work-based learning options for OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN WBL Internship Youth ApprenticeshipNUMBER Career Practicum aid positions that align to their dy 1176 Internship Youth Apprenticeship Career Practicum 1151Toyoshima 1200

Mrs. Gray, Construction Teacher at Metropolitan Career Tech

Helping Hands at Metropolitan Career Tech Center

ceship and1000 Career Practicum nce course codes were added to ts working800 in the CS field for both e and DCTE work-based learning 600

549

k-based learning options 433 400consolidated into the nd Business) ased learning structure 200

the state’s National Governors te team with0other agencies to2018-2019 2017-2018 wide work-based learning strategy

Based Learning Digital Platform to ort

Center in Little Rock, connected with Pastor Holloway, owner and founder of the Little 1176 1151 1200 Rock Compassion Center, and learned that he was opening a new Women’s Shelter

1000and needed 3 tables. This fall, Excel Construction Program students conducted a client consultation via Zoom with Pastor Holloway to discuss the specifications of the 800design. To help students with the design, Mrs. Gray, asked Randy Block of

Architectural Arts to mentor the students. They met virtually for several weeks until 600 549 the design was complete. During this project, students earned two industry

433

400certifications, OSHA 10 and Google SketchUp. After completing the project, students 2019-2020 2020-2021* presented the tables to Pastor Holloway. Kauffman Lumber donated all the materials *(COVID) 200and tools for this authentic skills-based learning experience. Students were proud to

give back to their community.

0 2017-2018 2018-2019 2019-2020

2020-2021*

*(COVID)

Written By Shemeka Montgomery Career Education/ Metropolitan Director

Left: Charles Wilson, a 12th grader at LR Southwest High School works on securing parts of a table frame. Center: Pastor Holloway surveys the completed tables with construction students.

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o t g n i Wait . . . t c e Conn

Career & Technical Education kept students and staff connected throughout a very virtual semester.

As many students and staff started a school year like no other, with some students learning in-person while others never meeting their classmates face-to-face, Career and Technical Education courses, CTSOs, and staff continued to offer opportunities for students and staff to learn, connect, compete, and celebrate with each other.

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES (FCS):

FCS held a two day virtual PD for our new Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers this semester. Our new teachers had the opportunity to learn more about standards, programs of study, certifications, the role of their CTE Coordinators, Perkins, and professional organizations.

They also heard from presenters on a variety of topics. We had 47 new Family and Consumer Sciences teachers present at both days of our virtual professional development conference. Each teacher received a Family and Consumer Sciences swag bag with their registration.

Since August, each of our six Arkansas FCCLA districts has held at least two virtual meetings with the chapters in their areas. That is a total of twelve opportunities that students and advisers have had to participate in CTSO engagement. Students have ran for District, State Officer Candidate, and National Officer Candidate at their district Planning and Election Meetings. Members have also taken part in leadership training and Fall Conferences.

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JOBS FOR ARKANSAS GRADUATES (JAG):

JAG held its very first student state competition virtually this year. This competition mirrors the annual JAG National Student Leadership Academy. Students had the opportunity to compete in four different categories: Public Speaking, Employability skills, Financial Literacy, and a Project Based Learning Showcase. The first place winner in each category went on to represent Arkansas, and compete nationally at the Student Leadership Academy, which was also held virtually for the first time after 23 years of rich history. Lily Brewer from Springdale High School placed in the top 10 at the national competitions in the employability skills contest.

BUSINESS & MARKETING TECHNOLOGY:

FBLA was the first CTSO in our state to successfully complete a virtual conference. At the National Leadership Experience 10 Senior Level students were finalists in their events and 10 Middle Level students were finalists, including Katie Minge, from the Cabot Freshman Academy who placed first in Elevator Speech.

Another great achievement this summer was recognizing Ms. Bobbie Timmerman , from Nettleton High School, who retired from being an FBLA Senior Level District Coordinator of over 40 years. She was also honored by the FBLA National Office by being selected as the

24th recipient of the Lifetime Membership Award. Her service has been unforgettable and we are honored to have served alongside her.

AGRICULTURE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:

During the Virtual 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo, students all over the nation had the opportunity to experience virtual workshops, attend sessions celebrating member’s accomplishments, participate in the National Days of Service project, and compete in Career and Leadership Development Challenges. Arkansas FFA members were excited to celebrate national finalists in Agriscience and proficiency areas, along with welcoming newly elected National Secretary Anna Mathis.

Arkansas FFA State Officers engaged virtually in the National FFA Delegate Process where they conducted business meetings with all 475 student leaders from across the nation. Even in the middle of a pandemic, FFA is committed to providing our student members with opportunities and experiences that enhance their agricultural education.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, & MATHEMATICS (STEM):

Arkansas Technology Student Association (TSA) hosted their Virtual Fall Leadership Conference on November 21st. Current TSA state officers led interactive breakout rooms that attendees rotated through that focused on specific leadership qualities. The Arkansas TSA state officers along with their advisors and state staff, were able to put together a great virtual event that engaged students across the state whether they were in a classroom or their own home.

Schools across Arkansas are finding ways for different CTE courses to share the great things they are learning by collaborating! For instance, the Cabot High School STEM

Club presented a virtual STEM event. The event required collaboration and planning between the STEM club, CHTV3 broadcasting team, high school and middle school students, guests, administrators, and parents. CHTV3 team members worked in small groups to film and produce the various segments that would ultimately make up the finished broadcast. STEM Club students prepared their experiments and coordinated the filming of their segments.

TRADE & INDUSTRY (T&I):

SkillsUSA Arkansas held its Fall Leadership Meeting and Office Training virtually, in conjunction with the national Skills USA events in October and November.

Arkansas HOSA - Future Health Professionals completed their first officer training in December via Zoom.

Ozark Media Arts Festival is a festival in Northwest Arkansas that showcases video and photography from high school and college students. This year, at the 10th Annual Festival several film, TV, photography, and graphic design students were asked to speak on behalf of their CTE programs. DCTE staff also provided a live in-service via video conference for Arts/Av teachers during the festival.

Hundreds of students across the state were able to participate in the diverse competitions and safely engage in the events and workshops via the festival’s YouTube channel.

Compiled By Patricia Graves Program Advisor, Career Readiness / WBL

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Arkansas FFA Students Compete in State Livestock Shows

Brooke Bradford, Arkansas FFA State President stands in front of the show ring.

in Little Rock. Exhibitors were able to

across the state of Arkansas rolled the

visit and connect with industry

year full of disruptions for so many of

dice in early spring of 2020 and made

supporters, as well as State FFA

our students. Thankfully, at least for

the investment in purchasing livestock

Officers and Staff at each of these

a few days in October, FFA students

as a part of their Supervised

events. Exhibitors received buckles,

experienced a sense of normal.

Agriculture Experience (SAE). The

banners, trophies and ribbons as well

gamble, with the sudden restrictions

as prize money, scholarships, and even

due to the Covid-19 pandemic, was

stock trailers as a reward for their

the uncertainty of whether there

efforts.

would be any Livestock shows to

Agriculture Education students

Certainly, 2020 has been a

Written By Jeremy Bull, Agriculture Science and Technology Program Advisor

showcase their investment of money, time and labor.

Thanks to the hard work of

Agriculture teachers, industry leaders and Ag supporters from across the state, those things that students were only hoping for in February became a reality in October. Students from across the state gathered the first weekend of October in Fayetteville for the Arkansas Youth Expo, followed by two weeks of exhibitions at the Arkansas State Fair Livestock Show

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FFA member Abby Gavin from Cedar Ridge drives her pig into the show ring for the final drive.

by the

Playbooks provide support for virtual learning.

The Academic Playbooks initiative emerged from the Statewide Guiding Coalition that was formed as a response

to addressing unfinished learning from the 2019-2020 school year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grade level collaborative teacher teams were recruited from practicing Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) across the state to create a “playbook” resource—designed by teachers, for teachers—to guide instructional planning for Arkansas schools.

All program areas within CTE developed a playbook, which include resources such as unit plans with activities, assessments, rubrics, interventions, extensions, and instructional videos aligned to Arkansas Academic Standards. The essential learning outcomes mentioned in the playbooks do not replace the standards, but should guide course planning and skill emphasis.

Amanda Porter, Program Coordinator for Family Consumer Sciences along with the other Program Advisors and

Coordinators facilitated the collaborative teacher/subject matter expert teams through the Career and Technical Programs Playbook process. Meeting virtually with her teams weekly, Porter would check in with her teachers and answer questions about the playbook development. “Family and Consumer Sciences had twenty teachers volunteer to work on the seventeen FCS course playbooks that were created. This group worked tirelessly to produce current and efficient resources for their fellow Arkansas FCS colleagues that would be useful for a blended environment. It felt great to hear them troubleshoot together and learn from one another.,” said Porter. One teacher who worked on the Playbooks was Kimberly Jones, FCS teacher at Centerpoint High School in Amity. “While working on the Playbook was a fast, tedious process, I feel that it made me take a closer look at the standards I teach. I have done more research for the classes after having to complete research for the Playbooks,” said Jones about the process.

Working virtually, Jones also appreciated the connections made with other Family and Consumer Science teach-

ers around the state. “I called, zoomed, and facetimed with my colleagues in my FCCLA district and some other teachers as well. For me personally, the positive impact of the Playbook is that I can see ideas from other (more knowledgeable and experienced teachers from across the state). The Playbooks have given me insight to how the subject matter experts align their classes and the standards they feel are the most important for our students to learn”, Jones said.

Porter is hopeful the playbooks will provide fresh ideas for veteran teachers and much needed foundations for

novice teachers starting out. “Time and time again, I have seen positive feedback and appreciation displayed over our FCS listserve, on our Arkansas Family and Consumer Sciences teachers Facebook page, and on our virtual professional development days.” In the classroom herself, Jones has continued to review the playbooks throughout the semester. “I myself have benefited from the Foundations of Teaching and Methods of Instruction Playbooks in a great way. I was able to find new activities to incorporate into the class,” Jones said.

The entire set of Career and Technical Playbooks can be found here.

Written By Patricia Graves, Program Advisor, Career Readiness/WBL

To all CTE teachers:

WE APPRECIATE YOU! Thank you for everything you do to make CTE great!

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STUDENT

Spotlights a

Ann

MATHIS

Anna Mathis is an alumnus of the Valley Springs FFA who was recently elected as the 2020-2021 National FFA Secretary. Anna served as the 2019-2020 Arkansas FFA State President where she led over 16,000 members during her year. In October, during the 93rd National FFA Convention and Expo, she participated in the nine rounds of the National FFA Officer Nominating Committee selection process. This year, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the event was held virtually. National officers commit to a year of service to the National FFA Organization. Throughout their year of service, the officers will interact with business and industry leaders, thousands of FFA members, and teachers, corporate sponsors, government and education officials, state FFA leaders, the general public, and more.

The team will lead personal growth and leadership training conferences for FFA members throughout the country and help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and the next generation of leaders. Anna is a sophomore at the University of Arkansas where she is majoring in Agricultural Communications and Leadership. Anna hopes to work in Washington, D.C. upon graduation and then attend law school for agriculture. She continually strives to build her life around supporting and advocating for agriculture.

Luke

SIMMONS Luke Simmons, a Senior at Bentonville High School and part of the Ignite Technology Program, has earned 13 Certifications through the Microsoft Certification program provided by the Arkansas Department of Education, DCTE, DESE, and ADHE. He is planning to earn additional certifications with the hope that doing so will help him stand out to colleges and future employers. Simmons says “I think that these certifications will definitely help me stand out to colleges, getting so many of them so early in high school it helps show how passionate and knowledgeable about technology I am. I also know that these certifications will help me stand out on my resume, helping me get a job in tech over someone who doesn’t have them.”

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