Advocate for CTE!
This month’s topic on Policy and CTE Advocacy is timely! ACTE just hosted the 2016 National Policy Seminar (NPS), February 28th – March 2nd and I had the awesome opportunity to attend which was especially exciting for me as I am one of the 2016 Region II Follows for ACTE.
As a 2016 Fellow, I had the opportunity to attend the ACTE Board of Directors meeting, the State Leadership Training Program, the Fellowship Program Welcome and Orientation, the First Timers Orientation, and a meeting with regional Vice Presidents and past Fellows. Simply an outstanding professional development opportunity to gain knowledge and insight into ACTE, policy updates and hill visits. The Opening General Session topic was “Shaping Policy in the Current Political Climate” presented by The Honorable Tom Davis and CTE updates were given by ACTE’s Executive Director, LeAnn Wilson. Davis gave all attendees a comprehensive analysis and practical advice on navigating the current and changing political environment.
South Carolina is committed to CTE advocacy. Annually, the South Carolina Association for Career and Technical Education (SCACTE) sponsors a group of leaders to attend NPS and to have hill visits with the following South Carolina Representatives: Mark Sanford, Joe E. Wilson, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney, James Clyburn, Tom Rice, Senator Lindsay Graham, and Senator Tim Scott. As SCACTE President-Elect, I had the amazing opportunity to lead the team to visit James Clyburn’s office. As team leader, I had to contact Mr. Clyburn’s office months ahead of time to schedule the visit to his office for March 1, 2016 at 11:30 AM to ensure the SCACTE Hill Visits Team had a confirmed appointment. I lead the discussion on the overview of CTE in South Carolina and we presented the information that was prepared for NPS attendees by ACTE. A group of 13 CTE leaders went on hill visits on March 1, 2016, starting the day at 7:30 AM and concluding at 5:30 PM. I believe hill visits are an excellent tool to enhance CTE and policy advocacy! We also had the pleasure to attend the PLTW and ACTE reception that showcased the projects of students from various states who use PLTW to expand students learning success.
NPS was an outstanding experience and I encourage other CTE leaders to attend next year.
By Beyonka Wider a 2016 Region II Fellow