Are the CTE program offerings a mix of the old trades (which now require sophisticated math and computer literacy) and high-growth fields such as cybersecurity, nursing, and engineering?
The CTE program offers a mix. Monty Tech continues to promote STEM and cyber education by developing pathways for students interested in the ever-growing cyber domain. In 2015, students from Monty Tech’s Information Technology and Engineering Technology trades competed with over 2,000 teams to win the national title in the Air Force Association’s National Youth Cyber Education Program “CyberPatriot” All Service division. This year, Monty Tech’s Cyber team was one of only 13 teams—out of a field of 5,900—to make it to the national finals.
In addition, Monty Tech added a veterinary science program, modeled after the one at Worcester Tech [which Harrity helped create, in partnership with Tufts University Veterinary School], where high school students are paired with Tufts veterinary students. As for traditional programs like construction, the students built a 7,500-square-foot clinic that serves families who could not otherwise afford veterinary care for their animals.
Finally, for the past five years, Monty Tech has partnered with Project Lead the Way for our engineering courses to offer college and career pathways that connect AP and college credit. Engineering students may take courses from Intro to Engineering Design to Digital Electronics. This fall, Monty Tech will begin adding Project Lead the Way courses in the field of biomedical science.
Are CTE students’ aspirations based on well-informed decisions, not demographics, and do they reflect the full spectrum of postsecondary options, including apprenticeship, certifications, community college, four-year institutions, and beyond?
As for post–high school choices, while Monty students complete all the foundational discipline courses required to enter a four-year public college, post–high school statistics for graduating seniors in 2017 were: 65 percent attending a two- or four-year college or technical school, 28 percent joining the workforce in their trade (the majority with completed postsecondary or industry certifications), and 5 percent enlisting to serve in one of the military branches.
Does the CTE program provide high-quality work-based learning experiences supervised by employers and include time for learning from work?
One factor that makes the Massachusetts voc-tech schools so attractive is that they include all of these features. Schools alternate a week of “shop” and a week of academics throughout the school year. Last year, 165 Monty juniors and seniors were on paid cooperative learning experiences during their vocational week. This year, Monty Tech’s goal is to place 185 students! That means every other week, Monty students are working full time in their technical fields. As for industry guidance, Monty has partnered with the regional Chamber of Commerce to engage 400 business leaders in reviewing the curriculum, advising on equipment needs, and providing co-op placements.