The Power of Words and Our Vocabulary
I was recently sitting in a room full of administrators participating in a professional learning meeting to attain credit to keep my administrative certification current and in good standing. I had had to attend several of these meetings over the course of the semester. While the content was relevant and included things each of us needed to know, I found myself being a little frustrated as I sat through them. I found myself thinking of all the things I could be doing back in my classroom. I guess I was feeling like my students may feel sometimes in their classes… just a bit bored. That was until the presenter started a discussion on vocabulary as she moved through the presentation, when I found myself drawn in.
The presentation focused on how a student can’t learn (especially comprehend) what they read if they do not understand the words or vocabulary being used, and how the depth of a person’s vocabulary is influenced at an early age. She expressed to us that an administrator must encourage and expect their teachers to work with students on vocabulary in their content area. This started me thinking about how those of us in career and technical education have our own language that those outside of our profession, for the most part, do not understand. For example, in the state of Alabama all career tech programs are required to complete the ‘BIC process.’ Now those of us in career tech in Alabama understand what this process is, but say the word ‘BIC’ to anyone else they might think you are talking about a lighter. The Business and Industry Standards (BIC) process certifies career tech programs that are viable, have the required resources, meet credentialing standards for students, maintain current advisory committees and have active Career Tech Student Organizations. Most importantly, these standards ensure career tech programs are turning out students who are college and career ready and are ready to be a thriving part of a skilled workforce in the state of Alabama.
Just like it is important for students to understand the vocabulary in our courses to be successful, it is important for those outside of career tech education to better understand CTE and how important it is to students, communities and this country as a whole in order for CTE professionals to continue to succeed. We must continue to use our words as a power tool of sorts to break old stereotypes of what once was ‘vocational education.’ For example, when I tell others about what topics Family and Consumer Sciences now covers and how it integrates core subjects like math and science into its curriculum, many are surprised. This shows me that we have work to do, not just in FACS but in all other areas of CTE!
Career and technical education programs in the state of Alabama and across this country are giving thousands of students opportunities to learn and develop skills that will last a lifetime. We as CTE professionals must give those outside of CTE a vocabulary lesson. We must choose our words wisely when speaking about our programs and train those in decision-making positions about all aspects and benefits of CTE. We need to use our voice to advocate for our programs, increase funding, and bring awareness to all that CTE has to offer. I encourage you as CTE professionals to be educators of parents, business leaders, decision-makers, and the public as a whole on how CTE has changed, what we do, and how vital our programs are so that they can fully comprehend what an important role we play in the education of America’s future generations. It’s up to us!
By Kimberly Mitchell a 2016 ACTE FACS Fellow