CTE Connections - Summer 2021

Summer 2021

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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

l a c i n h c e T & r Caree s n o i t a r b e Cel

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

Dr. Angela Kremers 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 I recently wrote a letter for the AR ACTE Virtual Conference. After reflecting on my letter for this newsletter I decided it might be the most appropriate words as we enter the 2021-2022 school year.

How appropriate is the theme “Game On”? I am not sure how you all feel, but it seems like we just ended a game of Jumanji this past school year! There were ups and downs during this past year, but the true CHAMPIONS in my opinion were our teachers and students! Arkansas was one of only 14 states that returned to full face to face instruction for the 2020-2021 school year! This is an amazing statistic, and this could have only been accomplished by the work of our teachers and our students! Thank you for your work!

As we enter our next season of the 2021-2022 school year let’s focus on our next game. For each career and technical education (CTE) educator, I have a question for you as we enter this next game. What is your GAME plan for the coming year? We have spent countless hours the past year changing the way we do school. As we enter the next round of the game, I have three questions for you to consider as a Career and Technical Educator:

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How are we engaging students?

How are we engaging parents?

How are we engaging community partners?

The work and momentum of career and technical education was strong prior to COVID and will remain strong in your school, state, and nation from the work inside and outside of your classrooms each day!

The Division of Career and Technical Education (DCTE) is here for you and your students. Our goal is to be a service and resource for the career and technical educators across the state of Arkansas. Please feel free at any time to reach out to our office or me with questions, concerns, or ideas. Our number one goal at DCTE is to meet the needs of our students in the state of Arkansas! Keep up the good work and GAME ON!

Ross White Division of Career and Technical Education Director

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES AUGUST

8/3-8/5: AGRI SUMMER NEW TEACHERS’ CONFERENCE SESSION 2 BEGINNING OF THE 20212022 SCHOOL YEAR!

SEPTEMBER

9/1-9/2: CTE COORDINATOR TRAINING 9/7-9/8: JAG NEW SPECIALIST TRAINING 9/8: CAREER DEVELOPMENT & KEYSTONE NEW TEACHER IN-SERVICE

9/9: WBL, COLLEGE & CAREER READINESS, & CAREER READINESS NEW TEACHER IN-SERVICE 9/14-9/15: BUSINESS & MARKETING NEW TEACHER ORIENTATION 9/18-9/22: SKILLSUSA WLTI

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C4 Curriculum Discussion

Connect 4 instructors Dustin Wilson (front left) and James Knight (front right) met with local manufacturers, equipment manufacturers, and state education officials April 30 to discuss possible changes and improvements to the program’s curriculum, especially as it applies to machining. Attending the meeting were (back, from left) Brandon French of Wilson Combat, Danny Muilenburg of the Arkansas Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Division, Ben Phillips and Carey Beevers of Phillips Corp., Brent Boyer of Wilson Combat, and Jeff Parks from the Department of Education.

The three-year-old Connect 4 program — or C4 — offers junior and senior students from the Berryville, Eureka Springs, and Green Forest school districts the opportunity to pursue a technical education during the school day. The program is housed in the Carroll County Career Center and offers instruction in a number of different disciplines with an eye toward industrial maintenance, machining, welding, robotics and electrical work, providing students with a cross-curricular background in different trades.

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National Career Readiness Certificate

With the support from the 93rd General Assembly and the State Board of Education, high school students have the opportunity to earn a nationally-recognized work readiness certificate before they graduate. The passage of Senate Bill 31, which became Act 319 of 2021, prompted the State Board of Education to approve the ACT WorkKeys assessment for this purpose on May 13, 2021.

The WorkKeys assessment measures the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations and represents work readiness through the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®). The primary purpose of the NCRC is to provide students with a workplace certification that represents their knowledge and skills in Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents.

A public school district and open-enrollment public charter school that serves students in grades 10-12 shall administer college and career readiness assessments including a career readiness assessment that leads to a nationally-recognized work readiness certificate.

Benefits of WorkKeys and the NCRC for Students: • • • •

The WorkKeys curriculum develops proficiency in skills that employers seek; this is communicated by the NCRC. Students can be job ready upon graduation from high school.

The NCRC is a portable credential with no expiration date; it verifies to employers that a student possesses the workplace skills needed to be successful.

Students obtain employment after high school graduation and are offered higher paying positions because they have earned the NCRC.

ACT WorkKeys provides an online curriculum designed to prepare students for the assessments.

The District Test Coordinator is the primary point of contact who collaborates with test administrators/teachers of courses in which the curriculum is addressed and/or assessment is administered. The district may appoint someone to assist the DTC as the primary person responsible for the administration of the WorkKeys assessment.

For more information about the NCRC please review the associated Commissioner’s Memo and attachment .

PERKINS & ACCOUNTABILITY CTE Insights is Live!

Career and Technical Education Coordinators around the state and at DCTE celebrated the implementa-

tion of a new portal on June 1, 2021. The new portal for submitting Perkins proposals has a streamlined interface and allows CTE Coordinators to easily view their proposals and the Perkins funds they have remaining.

The prior portal required DCTE to pay an annual contract fee and any requested changes resulted in ad-

ditional costs. The new portal was developed by IT staff housed within ADE; the IT staff are also providing ongoing support at no additional cost. Hosting the portal in-house will save the Division approximately $69,000 annually.

The savings are a positive testament to transformation of State Government.

SPRINGDALE CTE WORKFORCE SIGNING DAY EVENT Springdale High School hosted the 2021 Career and Technical Education Workforce Signing Day Ceremony this spring. The event that celebrated four young men who obtained positions with local industry while enrolled in Springdale’s JAG program. The signing day event signified their commitment to the local industries they will continue to work for after graduation.

Group shot of the four students honored at the CTE Workforce Signing Day Ceremony at Springdale High School

Written By Dr. Angela Kremers Associate Director, DCTE

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Matthew Thomas - Tyson Foods

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Matthew Tatum - Bryce’s White River Marine

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Daniel Bejarano - Nabholz Industrial

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Luis Fonseca - Wincast Written By April Reed JAG Specialist, Springdale High School 4

UNITED STATES SENATOR JOHN BOOZMAN FROM ARKANSAS OFFICIALLY CELEBRATED 10 YEARS OF OMAF AS HE READ THE OZARK MEDIA ARTS FESTIVAL INTO THE CONGRESSIONAL RECORD TO FOREVER BE ENSHRINED IN THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS.

THE OLDS FARM IN ROSBORO, ARKANSAS IS A PLACE FOR STUDENTS IN THE REGION TO EXPERIENCE TRUE HANDSON LEARNING. NOW WITH THE HELP OF THE CADDO CAREER CONSORTIUM, THEY HAVE DEDICATED A NEW SHOW BARN THAT ENHANCES THE WAYS AGRICULTURE IS TAUGHT IN THE AREA. Click here to watch the Show Barn Dedication video created by Arkansas Farm Bureau

ON MAY 6, 2021 15 HOPE HIGH SCHOOL FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE SERVSAFE FOOD HANDLERS COURSE PRESENTED BY THE HEMPSTEAD COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE. THE STUDENTS WORKED THROUGH LESSONS IN THEIR FACS CLASSES AND CONCLUDED BY TAKING PART IN THE PRESENTATION WHICH DETAILS THE PROCEDURES AND REGULATIONS REGARDING HANDLING FOOD, AS WELL AS THE PROPER STORAGE AND PRESERVATION OF THE FOOD. THERE WAS AN 100% SUCCESS RATE FOR THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED. THE STUDENTS WERE PRESENTED WITH FRAMED CERTIFICATES TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND CELEBRATE THEIR SUCCESS. 5

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COMPETITION SEASON CAREER & TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS GO FOR GOLD AT STATE CONFERENCES AND COMPETITIONS. DECA TSA SKILLS 251 237 USA 281

941

HOSA 383

4,594

941

STUDENTS QUALIFIED FOR NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

TOTAL STUDENT COMPETITORS

FFA

FBLA

1332

1793

FCCLA 314

CTSOs Teach the Importance of Leadership.

Practicing goal setting, consensus building, and project implementation Teaching personal, workplace and technical skills grounded in academics

Solving problems and thinking critically Identifying and strengthening values and skills

Communication and Teambuilidng Modeling leadership as a process of influence and action, not a position or authority

Emphasizing dependability and Integrity

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New State Officers

Congratulations to all of the new Arkansas CTSO state officers for the 2021-2022 school year.

Josie Kelly

Allyssa Andrews

Kaleb Barenburg

William Blankenship

Caleb Bailey

Kenzie Daniels

Reese Owens

Meredith Allen

Brooke Tulis

Kristin Lehmann

Mountain Home

Acorn

Stevie Scheffler Cave City

Wynne

White Hall

Reagan Burden

Spring Hill

Searcy

Keysean Zaid

Ashdown

Crossett

Lincoln

Kaylee Strong

Fayetteville

Malvern

Nemo Vista

Jac Campos

Chloe Silva

Malvern

Molly Stahl

Ashdown

Ana Garciarossi

Northeast AR Career and Technical Center

Cabot

Bannon Price Ashdown

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Cotter

Ana Sophia Villegas Cabot

Jake Travis Fayetteville

Blake Smith ASMSA

Ella Prince Pottsville

Annabelle Reece

Trinity Foster Crossett

Clinton

Holly Nixon

Lindsey Garretson Kaylynn Wood

Armorel

Carsyn Lincks

Southside Ft. Smith

Kaitlyn Crafton

Southside Ft. Smith

Wonderview

Elkins

Grayson Seibert Armorel

Maggie Richey Taylor Schumacker Paris

Mt. Home

Shivam Raja

Riley Robbins

Nalea Holliday

Kylee Lineberry

Jose Rodriguez-Sanchez

Emily Reaves

Anna Capps

Russell Rathbun

Lauren Rathbun

Sydney Atha

Evan Hewitt

Issac Meyers

Alma

Star City

Adrian James Conway

Pea Ridge

Greenwood

Pea Ridge

Greenwood

Alma

Alma

Lonnie Ervin Jr.

Allison Bivens

Trusha Liyanage Fayetteville

Alma

Rachael Thumma

Valley View

Beebe

Stuttgart

Bentonville

Har-Ber

Greenwood

Nataleigh Lindsey Beebe

Jaden Gipson Conway

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TEACHING TEACHERS

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PROVIDES CTE TEACHERS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN NEW SKILLS

Unmanned Aerial Systems Workshop

Farm Bureau Simulator Training

In June, 30 teachers from a

Crowley’s Ridge Educational

Female AgriMechanic Training

Cleveland County School Dis-

variety of program areas across the

Service Cooperative and Farm Bureau

trict presented a “Ladies Only” Agri-

state attended a workshop led by

teamed up to provide agricultural

culture Mechanical Workshop June

Garry Cude, Drone Instructor at the

teachers with training in the FB Simu-

7 - 9, 2021. Led by the husband and

University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

lator Trailer on June 2-3, 2021. During

wife Ag Teacher team from Rison High

The training was made possible by a

the 3-hour training, teachers experi-

School, teachers practiced shop skills,

Workforce Development grant ob-

enced operating an Excavator, Log

gained knowledge from a profession-

tained by UAFS. Teachers received four

Loader, Combine, and Feller Bunch-

al drywall/Sheetrock contractor, and

days of instruction and hands-on ex-

er. Upon completion of the training,

welding skills from two instructors

perience with drones and drone tech-

teachers are qualified to schedule the

from UWI welding school. The proj-

nology. The purpose of the training

simulator at their districts for stu-

ects included creating a tailgate grill,

was to introduce participants to drone

dents to experience a week of training

installing and walling up a plumbing

technology and prepare them for the

during the school year. Teachers also

fixture, practice sweating copper

FAA Part 107 exam. After successfully

gained career data related to each

fittings, and joining different plumbing

passing the FAA Part 107 exam, teach-

system to share with their classes.

materials. All participating instructors

ers will be able to utilize drones in their

can use their practice projects from

courses, and prepare their students to

the workshop as examples for their

obtain an FAA Part 107 license them-

classes next year.

selves.

Commercial applications of

drones is a new and quickly evolving field, with applications in agriculture, construction, criminal justice, video production, business, and much more. From this training, teachers will be able to take back to their classroom how drone technology could be used in the career fields associated with their courses. We hope

Above: Two instructors practice using a combine with the Farm Bureau Simulator.

to continue to expand on this training, so that Arkansas teachers are prepared to expose their students to new and developing technologies.

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Right: Amanda Brogdon, Wilbur D. Mills Co-Op CTE Coordinator, and Adam Musto, STEM Program Coordinator, stands with Garry Cude, Unmanned Aerial Systems Instructor at the U of A – Fort Smith.

Instructor Charissa Moore from Gosnell High School shows off her finished wall patch at the Female AgriMechanic Training.

Strive Institute of Technology in Marianna, Arkansas receives $30,000 Walton Family Foundation Grant for JAG Program

Mental Health First Aid Partnership

Arkansas Family and Con-

sumer Science in collaboration with “Arkansas AWARE” have begun to extend mental health awareness and training to Arkansas educators. Arkansas “AWARE” (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) would like to increase outreach and engagement among youth, families, schools and communities and to develop an infrastructure that will sustain mental health services.

Janet Perkins, FCS Program Ad-

The Walton Family Foundation is funding JAG National and select Affiliates to support JAG programming, personal and participants in Arkansas (Delta Region and Northwest Arkansas), the Mississippi Delta Region, Indianapolis and New Orleans.

The funds will be used to ensure continuation of JAG services, prevent program closures, and that the basic need of JAG specialists and participants are met.

The additional funding will employ teachers to effectively prepare students to enter the job market with skills needed to be employed. The additional summer internship program will enhance student career opportunities by giving them the opportunity to practice what they have been learning and developing hands on, practical skills.

viser, Marinda Archer from Brookland Middle and High School and Kim Jones from Centerton High School have been nationally certified as a trainer through the National Council for Behavioral Health. These three will set up Mental Health First Aid training throughout the upcoming year.

Mental Health First Aid is an

early intervention public education program. It teaches adults how to recognize the signs and symptoms that suggest a potential mental health challenge, how to listen, non-judgmentally, give reassurance to a youth who may be experiencing a mental health challenge, and refer a person to appropriate professional support

Osceola TSA Recruitment Event

In May, the Arkansas TSA State President, Anna Capps, from Star City High School joined the DCTE STEM Office at Osceola STEM Academy for a TSA recruiting event.

Ms. Christel Smith, Principal, and Floyd Stegall, TSA Advisor, invited Anna and the DCTE STEM Office to participate in the event. Anna addressed the student body at Osceola STEM Academy on the benefits of joining their local TSA chapter. Current Osceola STEM Academy TSA members showcased their VEX Robotics, CO2 Dragsters, drones, and video game projects, and students who placed in the Arkansas TSA State Conference were recognized as part of the recruiting event. Oceola STEM Academy

TSA Chapter with TSA President and State Advisor.

and services.

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STUDENT Evin

Spotlights

BURTON

Senior Evin Burton has been named the Broadcast On-Air Talent of the Year by the Arkansas Scholastic Press Association. The announcement was made during the annual convention that was held online. This is the first time a Razorback TV student has been the recipient of first place in this category. Evin is a three-year member of RTV. He is the co-host of RTV News and On Our Campus.

Vivie HOOPER Vivie Hooper is a senior JAG student at Mena High School. Vivie, who has been blind since birth has found a passion to working with others. As a part of her JAG class, Vive mentors and works with a younger elementary student who is also blind. All year they have worked on shape recognition, color words, writing the alphabet in braille, and listening skills. Vive explains her desire to work with this student, “I had people who did for me what I am trying to do for [this student].” Vive plans on attending college and majoring in broadcasting.

Shiloh

DASEN

Shiloh Dasen, a sophomore at Huntsville High School is the first female student at the school to earn the Automotive Service Excellence Certification. This certification helps students to gain entry level automotive jobs. A gifted hands-on learner Shiloh excels in the shop and the classroom. She is also an active member of Skills USA.

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Annika ACEBO

Annika Acebo, senior from The Academies at Jonesboro High School won the “Most Inspiring” video category for the 2020–21 CTE Month-NASA HUNCH and ACTE Student Video Challenge. The purpose of the challenge is to offer students the opportunity to showcase the application of CTE and project-based learning programs in high-demand 21st century career fields on Earth as well as in space. The theme of this year’s video challenge was “Advancing Space Exploration Through Manufacturing:” She created the video through her EAST class. Annika is headed to college in Illinois to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering.

Click on this link to watch her winning video!

Sara

SWEAT

&

addie MGILLERAN

Two Arkansas FCCLA students made it to the preliminary selections of the 2021 U.S. Presidential Scholars program and were named semifinalists. They were among approximately 625 semifinalists who were selected from a pool of nearly 6,500 candidates. Maddie Gilleran, from Pearcy, was the candidate nominated from Family and Consumer Sciences/FCCLA. She just graduated from Lake Hamilton High School and will be attending UCA in the Fall to major in Family and Consumer Sciences Education. Sara Sweat of Mccaskill - Nashville High School was nominated from Agriculture Education/FFA. She will be attending Southern Arkansas University in the Fall and plans to major in Animal Science.

an CristiOSORIO Cristian Osorio, an in-coming senior at Jonesboro High School has been elected as the 2021-2022 FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) National Vice President of Programs. Prior to being a National Officer Candidate, Cristian was 1st Vice Present State Officer for Arkansas FCCLA.

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Office Recognition

Introducing Director White!

DCTE would like to recognize the following staff for their recent accomplishments!

As our National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) State Representative, Trade and Industry Program Advisor Keith McKnight has spent countless hours gathering records in preparation for the NCCER audit. DCTE has completed its NCCER three year cycle audit and retained its accreditation. DCTE’s reaccreditation assures all Arkansas’ NCCER CTE instructors remain in the classroom with their required teaching credential.

Janet Perkins, Program Advisor for Family and Consumer Sciences was named a finalist for the 2021 Region IV ACTE Administrator of the Year. This award recognizes CTE administrators, program specialists\coordinators and other CTE personnel who have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique, and effective CTE programs.

Sonja WrightMcMurray, Sr. Associate Director, was selected to serve on Advance CTE’s National Advisory Committee for Postsecondary State CTE Leaders Fellowship Program.

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Ross White, the new director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), brings a wealth of CTE experience and knowledge to the division. Before serving as vice principal at Siloam Springs High School, a position he has held since July 2019, White was the director of the school’s CTE program.

From August 2008 to July 2018, he was a member of the career development and marketing faculty for the Alma School District. White earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Arkansas Tech University. He received an Education Specialist in Educational Leadership degree from Arkansas State University. White also is a member of several professional organizations, including AAEA, AACTEA, and Arkansas ACTE. Q: From your experience, what impact can Career and Technical Education have for the students of Arkansas?

A: Opportunities. As educators we serve students from all backgrounds and experiences. As a CTE educator it is key that we provide our students opportunities that extend beyond the walls of our classroom to help aid in the development of a well-rounded adult.

Q: What excites you most about the future of Career and Technical Education?

A: In my fifteen years as a CTE educator there has never been more attention on the work of CTE educators. We are making the turn needed to show the value and relevance that CTE has in the pathways to college and career success.

Q: What is a skill that you learned from your time in the classroom that will be beneficial in your new position as division director?

A: Service to students. Any educator in any realm must stand firm in their role to be an advocate for students and their learning.

HUNTSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL NAMED GOLD CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR SKILLSUSA ROY WRINKLE, CHAPTER ADVISOR OF THE YEAR AT HUNTSVILLE SHARES HIS SCHOOL’S JOURNEY TO GOLD CHAPTER OF EXCELLENCE

“This year has been a challenge to say the least but not without its

good points. We have a new CTE Center at Huntsville HS and I will be teaching Automotive and Diesel there in the Fall of 2021. With restrictions as to what the students could do, many of our plans for 2021 could not take place due to restrictions. The students pushed and pulled and fought to make it a good year.

We joined in any event we could at the HS, Virtual Fall Leadership, Career Safe Video, Officer Fall Leadership, March Madness Food Drive (with other CTSO’s) Roy Wrinkle, a high school dropout found his path through Automotive Technology. With the help of supportive teachers and the coursework at what is now UACCB Batesville, Wrinkle earned his GED and graduated automotive

Vehicle Detailing, after school community service, Virtual State Competitions and Virtual National Leadership Conference and Competitions. At state our Officer Team took Gold, also Gold in Customer Service and Auto Parts Specialist and four of our SkillsUSA members earned ASE Certifications as well this year.

school. He is now an ASE Master Automobile

We are Chapter of Excellence Gold Level! I think they pulled off a pretty good

Technician and ASE Master Collusion Techni-

year, considering everything!

cian. He worked in the local auto industry for over 10 years and opened his own business

I believe in SkillsUSA for the all essential values that it instills in students.

before starting to teach in 2003. Since then he

I want to give my students the options that are out there to help guide them, so

has worked with various schools, centers, and

that their road is not as rough as mine was.“

local businesses. Wrinkle is the 2021 SkillsUSA Chapter Advisor of the Year.

- Roy Wrinkle

Welcome to DCTE!

HELP US WELCOME OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS SARAH SHAMBURGER

We are happy to announce that Sarah Shamburger has come back to the Division. She is now serving as the Program Coordinator for the Office of Business and Marketing.

Sarah previously worked as the Accountability/Perkins Program Coordinator. Sarah has many years of Business and Marketing experience, owning her own hospitality/tourism businesses in Arkansas for over 30 years. She taught CTE and Math for 14 years before coming to DCTE in 2018.

PATRICK SAWATSKY We welcome Patrick Sawatsky as the Program Advisor for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM ) office. He will be joining Adam Musto the STEM Program Coordinator. Patrick comes to the Division from Beebe Middle School where he taught Math and Science courses for eight years. .

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