On Monday, September 16th, Goddard Public Schools hosted a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Advisory Council meeting at Eisenhower High School (EHS) that brought together a diverse group of USD 265 educators, as well as professionals from the Goddard and Wichita communities. This group meets once every semester to enhance the opportunities available to USD 265 high school students for post-secondary education, career exploration, and success. This ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their respective fields of study following graduation.
Goddard Public Schools offers the following CTE pathways: Biomedical, Business Finance/Accounting, Law Enforcement, Pre-Law, Digital Media, Early Childhood Development and Services, Engineering and Applied Mathematics, Family/Community/Consumer Services, Fashion/Apparel/Interior Design, Graphic Design, Health Sciences, Marketing, Automotive Technology, Programming and Software Development, Restaurant and Event Management, Teaching/Training, and Web and Digital Communications.
In the Biomedical pathway, for example, the meeting featured representatives from local clinics, research institutions, and universities. These experts shared their insights on the evolving landscape of healthcare, and the growing demand for qualified professionals. They emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, clinical internships and the possibility of rotations, and strong partnerships with healthcare providers to provide students with authentic learning opportunities. “Students get great experience and get to see if this field is for them or not. Also, they gain a better understanding of how professionals communicate on the job - which can vary greatly from regular conversations,” shared Samantha Peacock, RVT & Adjunct Instructor of Veterinary Nursing at WSU Tech.
The beauty of Goddard’s CTE Advisory Council is that it’s comprised of both educators and local professionals, maximizing the opportunities for students while balancing what is realistic and providing solutions and ideas that are not only possible, but easily feasible in the school environment. In addition to Goddard High School (GHS) Principal Doug Bridwell, other USD 265 staff involved in the conversation included: Catherine LaFever (EHS Chemistry & Physical Science Teacher), Emily Manning (GHS Biology & Biomedical Science Teacher), and Hannah Reynolds (EHS Chemistry & Human Body Systems Science Teacher). “The point is to prepare these students for the outside world, and CTE pathways give them the chance to explore, gain responsibility, and learn from someone other than a teacher in a traditional classroom environment,” shared Bridwell. “Employers and career peers can tell when students have had real-world experience.”
One key portion of the discussion in the Biomedical room centered on the integration of increasing local opportunities, stressing a need to equip students with the digital skills and technology familiarity necessary to navigate ever-evolving technological advancements. “CTE exposes you to so much, which helps you build respect for the profession. When you build experience, you build knowledge,” commented Lisa Harris, PA-C for New Medical Health Care. The discussion also included exploring opportunities for students to earn industry certifications and credentials that can increase their marketability upon graduation. “I would encourage students to actually get jobs within their pathway, to help build work ethic and experience,” said Regina (“Gina”) Hardin-Moyer, Director of Short-Term Health Programs at WSU Tech.
Goddard Public Schools is committed to implementing premier CTE programming for students, and a huge part of that is by including current educators and current employers in the conversation that helps build this initiative. By fostering strong partnerships with local organizations and businesses, and offering a comprehensive curriculum, the district aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed both in high school and after graduation.