Self-Study

Overview:

Self-study is the first step in career and technical education (CTE) program approval process. It is required for existing programs as well as new ones. The internal process brings together partners to review a program, to propose modifications and evaluate the degree to which it meets the State learning standards. The goals of self-study activities are program improvement and the development of a recommendation of approval from the review by the external review committee.

Self-Study Team:

Self-study team/group members are selected by the school district/BOCES. The CTE program under review and local need will help to determine the composition of the self-study team/group. Individuals other than CTE teaching staff and general school staff may be included in self-study activities. Generally, self-study team members do not serve on the external review team/group. The school district/BOCES retains essential records/reports created during the self-study phase. The length of time needed to complete a self-study varies by school district/BOCES and by the type of CTE program under review and is not prescribed in Commissioner's Regulations or by State Education Department (SED) policy. Suggested membership on the team includes:

• District administrator(s), building administrator(s), guidance personnel from the school/BOCES
• Career and technical education teachers from the proposed program area
• Teachers of academic subject in the area for which the credit is to be granted
• Representative/advocate for students with disabilities
• Postsecondary representative
• Business/industry/union representative(s) from the proposed program area
• Local Workforce Investment Board/Youth Council representative(s)

Process:

The self-study activity is required for all existing programs and new programs seeking approval as a career and technical education program. Its purpose is to bring together partners to review the career and technical education program, propose relevant modifications, and evaluate the degree to which the program meets both the State learning standards and current industry standards. If there is to be inclusion of academics, the self-study should include teachers in the academic area from both the BOCES and the local education agencies (LEA).

School districts/ BOCES should be innovative in the design and operation of their self-study programs. Guidelines, when followed, will provide evidence that:

• Career and Technical Education (CDOS) Standards align with relevant State academic standards and related business/industry standards
• Courses, including integrated or specialized CTE courses, meet unit of credit and other distributive requirement
• A projection has been made of the number of students to be served Professional development plans have been assessed for each program under review

Additional reviews will be completed for the following:

• Program evaluation and student assessment
• Benchmarks for student performance
• Postsecondary articulation programs
• Teacher certification status of instructional staff
• Existing work-based learning experiences
• Schedules of teachers and students
• Required resources including staff, facilities and equipment
• Accessibility for all students including those students with disabilities
• Work Skills Employability Profile

Documentation:

A report is prepared for the external review committee. It will articulate any CTE program needs, adjustments, or modifications revealed by the self-study phase. Final recommendations on program approval are included in the report.

Resources: For additional information

• Board of Regents Policy on Career and Technical Education, February 2001: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/workforce/cte/cte.html
• Commissioner's Regulations, Part 100.1-100.9: http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/part100/pages/reglan.html
• Office of Curriculum and Instructional Services: www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai
• Local Workforce Investment Board through the Department of Labor: www.labor.state.ny.us/html
• Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities (VESID): http://web.nysed.gov/vesid/vesid.html