We know you have questions about Career and Technology Education (CTE). We'll help you find the answers.
We've provided answers to some of the questions we receive from students about helping them create plans for their futures. Please contact your campus counselor or stop by the Career Center at you high school, if you have additional questions.
What is Career and Technology Education?
Career and Technology Education (CTE) is a program dedicated to preparing young people for the management of their dual roles of family member and wage earner. CTE programs enable students to gain entry-level employment in a high-skill, high-wage job and/or to continue their education into college.
What grade levels are involved in Career and Technology Education?
Career and Technology Education courses begin as early at the seventh grade, but most are offered at high school beginning in the ninth grade; continue through twelfth grade; and into college. A sequence of three or more CTE courses that extend into college is called Tech Prep.
When do I need to first enroll in the program?
Career and Technology Education (CTE) is not the kind of program in which you enroll. The CTE program is actually a sequence of courses you choose to take in high school that lead to a career or on into college. If the sequence of CTE courses extends onto college, it is called Tech Prep.
It's never too late to begin planning. In the eighth grade, if not before, you should begin planning for your career and the courses you will need in high school. We recommend taking an interest and aptitude survey in middle school to help you make these decisions. See your counselor or visit your high school Career Center for details about these surveys.
I don't think college is for me. Will CTE help me have a successful future?
Whether you want to go to college or not, CTE courses prepare you for your future. You need to know that every career requires training after high school. The training you receive may not be at a community college or university, but you will receive training on the job or through an apprenticeship. A well planned sequence of CTE courses in high school will prepare you for a successful future
What types of career surveys are available?
CTE provides several assessments that will help you plan. You can access interest surveys, aptitude surveys, attitude assessments and build a career portfolio through our Bridges software. Access to this software is password protected, so you will need to visit your high school Career Center or see your campus counselor for a password.
I've taken the surveys on the Bridges website. Now what?
When you complete the surveys and research the Bridges website for career interests, you are ready to begin planning the CTE courses you will need for graduation. Once you have a general idea, you can visit examples of course sequences in each of the CTE career interest areas. When you are ready, make an appointment to see your counselor.
Can I substitute CTE courses for my graduation requirement?
The State Board of Education allows specific CTE classes to substitute for required graduation credits. The following link will show you the specifics. http://www.tylerisd.org/CATE/optioncredit.htm
What do I need to know before I talk to my counselor about the courses that interest me?
Before visiting with your counselor, you need a general idea of the career area where you have interests. Bring a copy of your completed career surveys so your counselor can provide you guidance.
What's the easiest way to see my counselor?
The best way to see your counselor is to make an appointment to discuss your graduation plan and goals for the future.
