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The National TCTW Leaders Forum’s eight strands will guide CTE leadership teams through an in-depth analysis of their current career pathways and programs of study to help them to prepare students for the transition to postsecondary education and careers.

1. Career Pathways

Learn how the elements of career pathways (rigorous courses, work-based learning, dual-credit programs, certifications) prepare students for the transition to postsecondary education and careers.

2. Standards

Learn what a high-quality program of study looks like and how to align it to state and industry technical standards for reading, mathematics and science. See how frequent collaboration between academic and CTE teachers is the key to aligning curriculum and instruction to ensure student readiness.

3. Curriculum

Learn how TCTW ensures programs of study are preparing students for careers by having them complete recommended academic core and a defined sequence of four CTE courses.

4. Career Course Articulation

Learn how to develop partnerships with local four-year universities, community colleges and postsecondary training institutions to help students to earn substantial postsecondary credit during high school.

5. Work-Based Learning

Learn how to expand opportunities for all students to participate in work-based learning experiences that are intentionally designed to reinforce the academic and technical pathway coursework as well as help students focus on their career goals and connect with their community.

6. Guidance and Counseling

See how a well-developed mentor/counselor system, career interest surveys and inventories, industry-relevant field trips, visits to colleges and universities, and tours of local career centers for middle grades students can inform and engage students in their futures. 

7. Student Experiences

Learn how to engage students in high-quality project-based learning and coursework to help them see a clear relationship between classroom learning and future education and employment opportunities.

8. Data Collection

Learn how to track student success measures including on-time graduation, completion of stackable certificates, pathway completion and career-related activities such as employment and volunteering to help improve existing programs.

TCTW’s Programs of Study Technical Review Guide

Attendees will also learn how to use TCTW’s Programs of Study Technical Review Guide to create a continuous improvement plan for sustainability that includes a timeline, key milestones, resources and outcome data to meet the Senior Year Redesign Principles:

• Seek industry leaders to form meaningful career pathways in high school.
• Include SREB Readiness courses in the middle grades and high school to increase student preparedness.
• Accelerate student attainment of postsecondary credentials during the senior year.
• Reorganize high school schedules to emphasize faculty teamwork.
• Expand dual enrollment opportunities to include high-quality CTE courses and make them available to all students.