CM Self-study results

The results of the self-study demonstrated some areas that needed to be worked on as follows. I have divided them into the same categories as presented by NYSED. Ultimately, it was recommended proceed to the external review.

Curriculum -

"We do not have documentation of integrated and specialized credit because it does not apply."

"Staff at Schenectady High Schools Steimetz (sic) Career and Leadership Academy work hard to not just meet minimum standards but to go above and beyond to provide quality programming"

"No curriculum maps provided Box 4 does not apply No alignment to industry provided No mention of CFM integration No evidence of foundational coursework leading to more advanced coursework" (This was a huge oversight that was caught during our self study. Our culinary curriculum maps were originally set up on subpages on our original website. Because we migrated the site to a new google site, it dropped these subpages. As a stopgap measure we linked to the old pages to correct this.)

"Teachers do an excellent job of developing and implementing activities and lessons related to standards."

"integrated class do not apply" (This one refers to the integrated coursework. We do not do that formally though connections across other curricula are stressed.)

"n/a"

"Only individual lessons are repeated to ensure knowledge and understanding of previous concepts" (Though this would technically be a problem as it is presented by NYSED, it is a necessity for various reasons. One major reason is that we need to reinforce many skills throughout the class. Many times these are simple review exercises. Another is that we have a huge attendance issue and without doing this we would not ever get students caught up. We also have a huge transient population with students coming in and out of classes. Unlike a BOCES we have to take them.)

Teacher Certification -

"I do not have additional comments."

"All requirements met"

"Teachers at SCLA are highly qualified and have a great deal of experience related to their CTE strand. The catering program runs very well and places a lot of orders."

"we don't do this but all academic teachers are certified"

"n/a"

(Though it did not come up as a problem in this, there is one teacher listed that does not have her certification yet, though she has applied through NYSED. All of the classes have other teachers listed that could teach them though.)

Technical Assessments -

"I do not have additional comments."

"SCLA is a very close community due to its small size and the CTE teachers do an excellent job of making both staff and students aware of the assessments that need to be taken and tell us about the ones that have been passed. Students who are involved in the CTE programs, feel very proud of their accomplishments and are some of the most reliable students we have here at SCLA. The CTE teachers play an intricate role in developing students who are responsible and hold themselves to a high standard. The skills that they learn in these classes make them well rounded. We have quite a few students each year that obtain many certifications related to their particular CTE programs."

"N/A"

"n/a"

(One recurring issue is related to our trauma sensitive practices coming into conflict with having an outside evaluator proctor an exam. It is a lot to expect someone to take time out to do this, set up the room and materials for this, and then have the other students doing something else during the testing. Kids in crisis or perceived crisis can destroy many others ability to take the exam in a proper setting. Often it is not possible to 'redo' this opportunity.)

Post-Secondary Agreement -

"I do not have additional comments."

"Evidence for all"

"Post secondary information is not easy to get once students graduate, however, many of the students who have been involved in the culinary come back and visit and keep in contact with Mrs. Macey. Students who are involved in the CTE programs are some of the best graduates of our school here at SCLA."

"N/A"

"n/a"

(At the time the self-study was completed we did not have our current letter from SUNY Schenectady. We now do.)

Work-Based Learning -

"I do not have additional comments."

"Evidence for all"

"Students who are involved in the catering program are exposed to work based learning opportunities within the community. All who are involved receive high accolades regarding manners, professionalism and quality of the product."

"N/A"

"n/a"

Employability Profile -

"I do not have additional comments."

"The program has recently entered into a Partnership with the local Rotary which is providing opportunities for more guest speakers and links to the local business community"

"Evidence shown for each"

"N/A"

"n/a"

(This is an area that we feel we need to always work on. It is a balance between getting enough information and having a quick and easy form for the students to go through each year. We currently have what we consider to be a good one, but it takes about 15 minutes to go through with each student. That adds up and takes too long. We will continue to refine it as we can.)