BY QUINTON R. ARTHUR
LANSING, Ill. (January 31, 2023) — District 215’s Career Development Department hosted a pair of Career and Technical Education showcases at TF South and TF North. Current students and eighth grade students from local feeder schools were invited to participate.
Career progression
The showcase was hosted at TF South and TF North and featured live demonstrations of some of the program offerings. Students were able to gather information and get a look into various career pathways.
The goal of District 215’s CTE Department is “to develop and expand our CTE offerings to give our students the best education possible that will prepare them for employment and give them options and opportunities that will increase their awareness of their desired careers.”
Counselors and the career development team use the Naviance College and Career Readiness Curriculum map to help students explore and plan their career pathways at each grade level.
According to the webpage for Naviance, the curriculum helps students in grades 6-12 develop critical non-cognitive skills and college knowledge and instills confidence so that they’ll persevere to reach their long-term college and career goals.
Dual credit partnerships
Another way students can further their education is by taking advantage of dual credit courses, earning college credits while taking their classes. As presented in the CTE Catalog, this will help students get exposure to college-level work, helping to make the transition to college smoother.
Dual enrollment has increased 519% since being introduced since the 2019/2020 school year. Currently, a total of 1,673 students are enrolled in dual credits.
The department has also partnered with several local colleges for their Dual Credit Articulation program. Students can earn credits towards automotive technology at Moraine Valley Community College; credits in culinary arts at Joliet Junior College; and credits in HVAC at Prairie State College.
Soon, dual credits in cosmetology will become an offering at South Suburban College and students will also be able to take courses at Chicago State University.
New programming
In addition to the current offerings, students will be able to participate in more programs in the 2023-2024 school year, including TV Production at TF South and Childcare at TF North.
At District 215’s last board meeting, Ray Williams, Principal of Thornton Fractional Center for Academics & Technology sees the excitement related to the offerings from students, especially for the childcare program.
“The students are really excited about the childcare program and are taking the initiative to sign up for it,” he said.
Parents and students can find out more about the department and offerings by visiting the Career Development webpage.
Related
- Video: Graphic designer, salon owner, electrician, chef — District 215 students explore career choices (January 27, 2023)
