Career and Technical Education for All

I think John Dewey would be proud if he saw career and technical education (CTE) today. John Dewey advocated for linked-learning, or work-based learning, where students gain support for academic/technical content through real-world experience.  Students participating in work-based learning complete high school at higher rates, develop better critical thinking skills, display increased ownership in their education, and enter postsecondary education at higher rates than their peers. Work-based learning can have a significant impact on students and a school. I have definitely seen for myself the impact CTE programs and work-based learning can have on the school’s community as whole, allowing students to enter industry more prepared as a result of CTE programs.

            Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland, has five academy programs based on CTE and STEM disciplines. All of the academy programs have work-based learning components and industry partners working with students. As these programs have grown, partners in industry have not only embraced the career academy programs but have committed to working with the traditional academic programs as well. Students in advanced math courses got the opportunity to experience business and economics concepts through a lunch/work session at Deloitte with the business academy. Band students were asked to perform at the Gaylord National Harbor for celebrity guests thanks to an existing relationship with the hospitality program. Moving forward, outside the academies, students demonstrating excellent verbal and written skills may get the opportunity to work for Gaylord National Harbor as well in their business office. The CTE programs at Oxon Hill High School have not only enhanced programming for CTE students but opportunity for all.

By Candice Mott a 2015 Region I Fellow