CTE Connections - Fall 2021

Fall 2021

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A DIVISION OF THE ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

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TEC H NIC AL

CTE Connections Preparing Students for Future College and Career Success

ss e n i d a e R r e e r a C l a n o i t a N Certificate The

An Opportunity for Students, Educators, Parents, and Communities

page 10 - 11

IN THIS ISSUE HELP AFTER HURRICANE IDA Page 3 NON-TRADITIONAL CAREER FAIRS Pages 5 JAG PROGRAM RECOGNIZED

BY GOVERNOR Page 9 ARKANSAS COLLEGE APPLICATION CAMPAIGN Page 11 - 12 CTSO DAY AT THE FAIR Page 12

Leadership Team Johnny Key

Secretary Department of Education

Dr. Ivy Pfeffer Deputy Commissioner Department of Education

Ross White

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 Change is in the air as the leaves begin to fall and air becomes more crisp. Change is happening at the Division of Career and Technical Education as well! We are excited for the work that has already happened this school year and excited to keep that momentum going. In this issue you will find exciting news about new initiatives and time honored traditions within CTE and the state of Arkansas!

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The adoption of the ACT WorkKeys and National Career Readiness Certificate Statewide CTSO Day at the Fair 2021 Non-Traditional Career Fair Arkansas College Application Campaign Month

Great work continues to happen each day around the state with CTE! We ask that you share your news with DCTE by emailing CTE celebrations and events to ebony.everett@ade.arkansas.gov and follow us at:

Enjoy this quarter’s issue and continue to engage students, parents, and our community partners!

Ross White Division of Career and Technical Education Director

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

NOVEMBER IS

HOSA STATE OFFICER

1/28-1/29: FFA IMPACT

DECA MONTH!

LEADERSHIP TRAINING

CONFERENCE

STATE START-UP APPLICATIONS

OFFICAL STATE START-UP LETTERS SENT

REVIEW BEGINS

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Help After Hurricane Ida

OZARK MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL 2021

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative linemen (from left) Shane Goodson, Briar King, Preston Gurley, and Grant Hyslip left for South Louisiana Electric Cooperative Association in Houma, LA on September 1st, 2021. They helped to restore outages caused by Hurricane Ida for two weeks.

Ninety percent of SLECA’s 19,000 members were without electric service after the hurricane made landfall.

All four of the lineman pictured above are graduates from Highland High School. While in high school, each lineman took multiple CTE Agriculture courses.

These courses helped prepare them for their current careers.

For the first time the Ozark Media Arts Festival was held as a hybrid festival. Held on October 6th and 7th, nearly 800 students from 17 programs across the state attended the festival, with 400 attending in-person. $4000 was given away from The Arkansas Broadcasters Association and another $600 from Bedford’s Camera and Video.

This money helps support the media programs around our region.

And for the first time ever the Filmmaker of the Year was awarded to an elementary school program - The Parkview Music Club at Parkview Elementary School in Van Buren, AR. The Trade and Industry Office held an Advisory Meeting as a part of the Festival’s events. DCTE Director Ross White was the keynote speaker, and the following featured industry partners joined the conversation: Derek Burleson is currently a senior manager of public relations and is responsible for U.S. and international corporate media relations. Luke Story is the Executive Director of the Arkansas Broadcasters Association. Mario Troncoso is a 10-time Emmy Award winning (He has been nominated 39 times.) filmmaker and journalist and Director of Film and Media Ecosystems for the Creative Arkansas Community Hub and Exchange (CACHE).

They were highlighted in the North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Member’s monthly publication, “The Messenger.”

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas dispatched a total of 183 line workers and 194 trucks along with construction and right-of-way equipment.

CLICK THE IMAGE TO SEE THE OMAF21 CONVENTION RECAP 1ST PLACE WINNING VIDEO FROM HAR-BER HIGH SCHOOL

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PERKINS & ACCOUNTABILITY CTE Coordinators Meeting New CTE Coordinator Orientation and Annual CTE Coordinator Training was held September 1st and 2nd at the Hilton Garden Inn, Little Rock and live-streamed for those who could not attend in person. New CTE Coordinators spent the morning of September 1st learning some of the ‘basics’ of their new role. Topics discussed included an overview of Perkins V; basic terminology; how Perkins V funds are allocated; how to create and submit Perkins projects in the new CTE Insights portal; resources available and how to stay connected with other CTE Coordinators across the state.

During the second day, Ross White, Director of DCTE provided updates on the State Start-Up application process; Tiered Support; Policies and Procedures; and Standards for Accreditation. An overview of the updated Perkins Manual was also covered.

After more than a year of COVID-19 meeting restrictions, impromptu conversations, laughter, story sharing, new professional connections, and strengthened relationships reminded everyone in attendance of the amazing talents and personalities that drive CTE student success in Arkansas!

Perkins V Non-Traditional Project Grants Each year as part of the Federal Perkins V allocation to the State of Arkansas, DCTE receives funds that are designated for supporting the preparation of students for fields that are non-traditional for their gender. In September 2021, seventeen (17) grants were awarded across the state – totaling $117,600.00 funded. A few examples of how these non-traditional grant funds are being used include: - Encouraging females to pursue computer science and coding - Supporting collaborative events across Co-Ops showcasing a variety of careers; allowing students to have hands on experience with equipment and visiting with non-traditional working professionals - Working with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to establish a drones program - Allowing non-traditional students to work with local chefs to have hands on experience working in Family and Consumer Sciences

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Collaborative Non-Traditional Career Fairs DeQueen-Mena, South Central & Southwest Education Cooperatives have teamed with five post-secondary partners- Southern Arkansas University, UA Hope/Texarkana, UA Cossatot and UA Rich Mountain to Each host a hands-on day of activities for 9-12 grade female students in the three coop areas throughout November.

Each of these campuses will deliver a day of non-traditional career exploration for females in areas such as Welding, CNC Machining, Cyber Security, Automotive Maintenance, and IT. Students look on as presenters at the Southern Arkansas University event discuss welding.

Caption

TSA students participated in a variety of Team Building Games at the Fall Leadership Conference.

TSA Fall Leadership Conference The Arkansas TSA (Technology Student Association) Fall Leadership Conference on October 26th was an enormous success. This conference was planned and executed by Arkansas high school students that were elected by their peers to be TSA State Officers. Anna Capps, Russell Rathbun, Lauren Rathbun, Sydney Atha, Evan Hewitt, and Isaac Meyers lead over 150 people from 11 schools across Arkansas. In a return to normalcy the conference was in person at Camp Couchdale near Hot Springs. Masks and social distancing didn’t keep the TSA member from forming a genuine camaraderie with people they wouldn’t have met otherwise.

The students that attended came out better leaders and problem solvers. Thank you to the State Officers, TSA members, and TSA advisors for helping create Since the Fall Conference was held at camp, the TSA such an incredible event.

state officer created “cabin” signs to signify the different activity areas for the participants.

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GROWING & LEARNING WITH HYDROPONICS Hydroponic Grow Systems allow crops to be grown using only water and closely monitored nutrients. These grow systems tend to grow crops faster than those planted in soil, and can be used year round as many are kept indoors and have their own UV light to replicate sunlight.

The use of these Hydroponic Grow Systems, or Grow Towers as teachers tend to call them, have recently been introduced into Family and Consumer Sciences Classrooms. In the classroom the students begin by placing their seeds in a mixture of soil and fertilizer, and place them in a sunny window to grow until they are mature enough to transplant into the system. Once the students transplant their seedlings into the Hydroponic systems, they then have to regularly check the pH balance of the water, the water levels, and nutrients needed for their specific crop. Students have to work together to determine what nutrients, fertilizer, or supplements they need to add to their cops to maintain the proper balance for growth. As a result of all their hard work, the students will get to enjoy the fruits, or veggies, of their labor once their crops are ready for harvest!

According to Mrs. Colleen Bell, from Marshall High School. She states,“We love our grow towers! This will be our second year to have them running in the classroom. Last year students produced a variety of leafy greens, including kale, rainbow chard, and a salad mix. They really enjoyed having hands-on experience with building the towers, starting the seed, mixing minerals and checking PH, and tasting the fruits of their labor. We were able to incorporate our produce into the classroom by making kale chips and a variety of dressings to try with the salad mix. As a teacher, I enjoy seeing the students make the connections from the farm (tower) to the table.“ Mary Smith, Manila High School says, “The hydroponics tower has been a great addition to my classroom. My students learned so much through the process of putting it together, sprouting the plant, and watching them grow. We have eaten one batch of lettuce and the comment was made, “this is soooo much better than what you buy in the store!” Every class is interested in watching the growth of the plants, and say the sound of the pump and water running calms them. I have had several visitors to my classroom just to see the tower so it has had the added benefit of being a great PR tool as well.“ We love that so many students are responding positively to these Hydroponic Grow Towers in their classrooms.

A Manilla HS student tries lettuce from the grow tower.

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Written By Ross White DCTE Director

STUDENTS

Each student between grades 10-12 must be provided an opportunity to sit for the National Career Readiness Certificate through WorkKeys. Students will be presented the WorkKeys curriculum and complete this curriculum prior to taking the three different assessments.

- Applied Mathematics

- Graphic Literacy

- Workplace Documents

Once students complete the assessments they will earn one of four certifications: Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Students need to be aware that this credential is portable and does not have an expiration date. The opportunities students have with earning the career readiness certificate provide them a credential identifying their career readiness level. The certification is appropriate for all students whether they plan to attend post secondary education, military, or enter the workforce following graduation.

PARENTS

As with any assessment, it is key to have parents and guardians involved in the assessment process. Support and understanding from parents will be key in the certification process. Helping students to understand the power of the certification will be an essential piece for parents. This certification will benefit all students no matter their post graduation plans. For some students the impact will be sooner than others. It is important that students view this credential as more than just another test, because the NCRC is a confirmation of skills that can be added to their resume.

Having this credential in their back pocket will help students as they grow as a professional adult.

THE NCRC IS EARNED BY COMPLETING THE THREE WORKKEYS ASSESSMENTS: 7

APPLIED MATH Critical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and problem-solving techniques in workplace situations.

GRAPHIC LITERACY Reading and comprehending graphical materials to solve work-related problems.

During the spring of 2021, the Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation and developed Act 319.

Through this work, students in the state of Arkansas are provided the opportunity to earn a career readiness certification (CRC) before they graduate high school.

With the support of the state board of education, Arkansas has partnered with ACT WorkKeys to offer the WorkKeys curriculum and the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Through the implementation of the WorkKeys curriculum and the career readiness curriculum in school districts across the state, we will have the opportunity for each student to leave high school with a portable work readiness credential.

The career readiness certificate benefits more than just the students earning the credential. It also impacts the workforce, community growth, and economic development. With this impact, it will be key that the following stakeholders know and are active participants in the implementation and will require the continued work of Students, Parents, Educators, and Community Members.

EDUCATORS

All educators have an integral role in this certification through the implementation of the WorkKeys curriculum, certification process, and supporting students. Working with the WorkKeys Curriculum involves all secondary educators. Applied Mathematics, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents are skills that can be learned in all courses on a high school campus. Educators are essential to the attitude and approach to certification exams. Working with students to understand the value and importance of this assessment will be key for educators to support this process.

Working with students to understand the power of the certification will also be essential for educators. This certification will benefit all students no matter their post graduation plans. For some students the impact will be sooner than others, but students should view this test as an important credential that can be added to their resume.

COMMUNITIES

The recommendation and selection of the WorkKeys assessment as our career readiness certificate was selected due to the ability for communities to certify as Work Ready. The legislation and the work are bigger than students earning a credential. It is the ability to establish and identify what the future workforce will look like in Arkansas. The certification process allows local business and industry to use the data to identify the future workforce. Being able to recruit and secure new business and industry will become simpler with the implementation of the CRC, as very specific data regarding workforce readiness will be available to all industries. Currently Arkansas has 26 counties that are certified or are participating in Work Ready Communities. Through the implementation of the assessment all 75 counties in the state of Arkansas are better prepared to work toward becoming a Work Ready Community. Community members working with business and industry, educators, and the future workforce can use this certification as an indicator of the success and growth in their local communities. For more information about Work Ready Communities, click on the map.

WORKPLACE DOCUMENTS Reading and Comprehending written information to make decisions to solve problems.

ARKANSAS WORK READY COMMUNITIES 8

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CONGRATULATIONS TO ARKANSAS SkillsUSA IN RECOGNITION OF ITS ALL-TIME STATE YEAR-TO-DATE MEMBERSHIP RECORD!

JAG WINS “5 OF 5” AWARD FOR THE 15TH YEAR IN A ROW! Arkansas Department of Education Division of Career and Technical Education is pleased to announce that Jobs for Arkansas Graduates (JAG) has received the JAG National 5 of 5 award for the 15th consecutive year.

The Arkansas JAG program is an affiliate of the Jobs for America’s Graduates program and is designed to assist students who are at risk of dropping out of high school.

Students enrolled in the program receive supports and services to help them not only graduate high school but also become successful whether pursuing post-secondary education, employment, or military service.

In order to achieve the 5-of-5 Award, states must meet set criteria and goals for students enrolled in the program:

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Governor Asa Hutchison stands with DCTE staff, legislators, and grant donors to recognize JAG’s 5 of 5 Award at the state capital on August 23, 2021.

National Goals

Arkansas Results

Graduation Rate: 90%

Arkansas: 97%

Job Placement Rate: 60%

Arkansas: 69%

Total Full-Time Employment: 60%

Arkansas: 80%

Total Full-Time Positive Outcomes: 75%

Arkansas: 77%

Further Education Rate: 35%

Arkansas: 39% 10

STUDENT

Spotlights Ivan

CORVERA

Congratulations to Ivan Corvera, a student at Don Tyson School of Innovation in Springdale, on becoming a W!SE Financial Literacy Ambassador. He scored an impressive 100% on the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification. This student thrives on encouraging other teens like himself to gain financial knowledge to help their futures. He believes that everyone should be prepared to live a stress and debt free life, while having the fundamental financial knowledge needed to handle major life events and purchases.

Riley

MCDANIEL It’s not every day that you meet a successful small business owner, especially one who is still in high school! CHS Senior 2022 and JAG student, Riley McDaniel, is the founder of Grace & Co. Riley started her small business, which sells homemade soaps and clay earrings, in December 2020. Apart from Grace & Co., Riley works a part-time job and is enrolled in college level courses through the HUB program. Besides her main website, a local store in Leslie, AR has also starting stocking her products.

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ARKANSAS COLLEGE APPLICATION CAMPAIGN MONTH EVENTS Since 2014, the Arkansas Department of Education - Division of Career and Technical Education has annually hosted the Arkansas College Application Campaign (ACAC). This is part of a national initiative with the goal to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college and for financial aid. During the month of October, as the leader in the state’s college access movement, the Arkansas College Application Campaign (ACAC) coordinates initiatives across the state. These events are designed to support high schools navigate the milestones in the college-going process and break down the barriers students often encounter.

ACAC has supported an increasing number of statewide initiatives to fully encompass all of the following milestones: College Application Month/FAFSA Frenzy in the fall and College Signing Day in the spring. The mission of this statewide initiative is to increase college readiness, participation and completion rates in Arkansas, particularly among low-income students, first-generation college going students, and students of color.

During the 2021 Arkansas College Application Month Governor Asa Hutchinson, Arkansas’s Governor proclaimed the month of October as Arkansas College Application month. Across the state very exciting ACAC events help to shape the future of students.

Jonesboro High School

Jonesboro High school Career

Coaches Mary Williams, Natasha Baylor and Austin Copenhaver organized events though the month of October to celebrate Arkansas College Application at the school.

During their ACAC kick-off ceremony, the Mayor of Jonesboro, Harold Copenhaver, presented a proclamation from the city declaring October 2021 as College Application Month for Jonesboro High School.

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Above: Jonesboro Mayor presents the proclamation.

Right: Senior Accountant for Nitrogen Solutions Charleston Girley, a graduate of Arkansas State University and former college football player, served as the Jonesboro 2021 ACAC kick-off keynote speaker.

Above: School counselors acknowledged JHS senior Salma Abdel-Karim as a National Merit Semi Finalist, which makes her one of 16,000 high school seniors in the country eligible for national merit scholarships during ACAC.

Above: Mayor Veronica Creer, Ashlee Curtis- Head Coach/Educator, Kaylah Morgan- EHS alum/ UAPB Graduate, Gregory Hawkins- Director of Student Experience, and Vanessa Williams Director of Counseling and Disability Support Services were in attendance of the school ACA Event.

El Dorado High School

On October 3, 2021 the Arkansas

College Application Campaign kickoff event organized by Career Coaches Kenesha Evans and April Malone at El Dorado High School took place, during the event Arkansas Speaker of the House Matthew Shepherd read Governor Asa Hutchinson proclamation designating October as Arkansas College Application month.

Also, El Dorado mayor Veronica Creer participated as a guest speaker motivating students to think about their future. The school Basketball coach Ashlee Curtis was another great speaker that inspire students with her

CTSO Day at the State Fair Above: Jose Rodriguez, DECA state officer speaks to the crowd. Right: State Officers from all 7 CTSOs were represented at the e.

On October 19th, students from all seven career and technical student organizations (CTSOs) attended the 4th annual CTSO Day at the Fair. With over 3,000 students from 80 schools, it was a great reunion after taking last year off due to the pandemic. Students listened to officers from each CTSO present and heard greetings from Secretary of Education Johnny Key. The event provided breakout sessions with various professionals to help students learn about careers connected to the State Fair that relate to their CTSO. The HOSA breakout session allowed Future Medical Professional students to listen to an EMT from MEMS, the Metropolitan Emergency Medical Services.

There was also a team-building scavenger hunt for students to learn more about the State Fair. Students ended the day with the opportunity to experience the fair and all it has to offer!

words.

Students listen to Mayor Veronica Creer explain her educational path and the wonderful resources in the city of El Dorado that will help them reach their full potential.

Above: DESE Leadership attended the CTSO Day at the Fair activities.

Thank you to CIO Arijit Sakar, Director of Facilities Tim Cain, Secretary Johnny Key, DCTE Director Ross White, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ivy Pheffer, and Assistant Commissioner Dr. Kiffany Pride.

Right: The Scavenger Hunt winning team from Bryant High FCCLA each received fair ride passes.

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STATE FAIR PROVIDES LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR FFA STUDENTS 2,500 Exhibitors showcased their over 7,500 exhibits at the Arkansas State Fair October 11-23rd. These exhibits for Future Farmers of America (FFA) members are Supervised Agriculture Experience projects that help teach hard work, determination, and work ethic. Arkansas FFA members were seen not only showing their livestock projects but also helping in the FFA Ag in Action Center where they gave hands-on agriculture education to thousands who passed

d from Maggie McDonal hool Sc Magnolia High serve Grand Re r he th poses wi t Goat.

Champion Marke

through aging from toddler to adult.

The Arkansas State Fair is always a fun, educational experience for FFA members Waitin g to b from Horat e judged, Ga io cow o n the High Scho bbi Litchf o floor of Ba ol stands w rd rton C it oliseu h her m.

across the state for many different reasons. Without opportunities like these, members wouldn’t have first-hand experience within the animal agricultural industry.

Please join us for our monthly PLC meetings Once a month, Program areas within DCTE offer a Professional Learning Community (PLC) zoom meeting to allow CTE teachers from across the state to collaborate, receive information, and stay connected. Please reach out to your program area’s state staff to learn how you can join the next monthly PLC meeting.

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Career Readiness and WBL PLC “Touch Base Tuesday” Third Tuesday of each month

Business and Marketing PLC “Nourishing Greatness” Third Thursday of each month

Family and Consumer Science PLC “What’s Good Wednesday” First Wednesday of each month

Trade and Industry PLC Fourth Tuesday of each month

Welcome to DCTE!

HELP US WELCOME OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS MORGAN RUFF Welcome to Morgan Ruff, who is joining the Business and Marketing Technology Office as a Program Advisor. Previously, Morgan taught Agriculture courses and served as a FFA Advisor for 18 years. He will now also serve as the senior state level advisor for FBLA.

TWYLA EVANS We are excited to welcome Twyla Evans as Program Advisor for the Business and Marketing Technology office. Twyla joins us from Sheridan High School where she taught for six years. She will also be working with the business CTSOs.

JASON BINZ

Welcome to Jason Binz, who is joining the Agriculture Education office as a Program Advisor. Jason taught for 12 years at Paris High School as the Ag Teacher/FFA Advisor before spending one year at Benton Jr High teaching Intro to Engineering and Technology.

BETHANY LEONARD Bethany Leonard is joining the Family and Consumer Science team from Bradford High School where she taught for 3 years. Bethany has held various industry positions relevant to FCS including childcare, food industry, and early childhood education. She has a BS in FCS Education, and a MS in Curriculum and Instruction. She brings her FCCLA experience to her new role as Program Advisor through her time in the CTSO as a student, during in college, and as an educator.

CHERYL POWELL Welcome to Cheryl Y. Powell, who is joining the Perkins and Accountability Office as an Administrative Specialist. Cheryl has over 30 years of varied experience throughout state government, and has retired from the Arkansas Department of Health where she was responsible for policy, contract management, procurement, travel, and human resources operations within the Office of Health Information Technology.

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