CTE Belief Statement
The RCSD Department of Career and Technical Education (CTE) is committed to engage, lift up, collaborate and lead all students. We believe in…
providing equal access to all CTE and career planning opportunities.
inspiring students to be autonomous, hopeful, and excited about their future
exposing them to various opportunities to explore career interests as early as Pre-Kindergarten.
cultivating a climate where students value diversity in the workplace.
instilling confidence in students through rigorous and engaging curriculum and instruction.
preparing students to grow and thrive as they adapt to change.
ensuring that our students value and take pride in their work and what they contribute to the world.
providing connections from school to life and career for students Pre K-12 to postsecondary.
partnering with community members to provide relevant, high-quality career opportunities, including work-based learning, for (Pre K - 12) students.
CTE Goals
RCSD has identified the following five goals as the focus of its CTE Improvement Plan. The District commits to work toward achieving each of these goals.
Goal 1: Strengthen and Expand CTE Programs
RCSD will develop new CTE programs of study and improve the quality of existing programs by conducting a comprehensive review of all schools and programs, and by increasing the number of NYSED-approved CTE programs. To establish this baseline year for data collection, the District will create a Findings Report from its review of schools and programs and establish next steps for improvement in the following areas: facilities, equipment and supplies, instruction, labor market alignment, partnerships (industry), post-secondary articulation agreements, teacher certification, technical assessments, and data and accountability systems.
Goal 2: Develop CTE Enrichment Programs
RCSD will increase the availability and participation of CTE enrichment experiences for all K-6, 7-8 and 9-12 students. The District will implement career development enrichment programming in all schools, offering CTE and STEM-related programs such as Esports, Coding and Robotics, Drone Piloting, and Woodworking.
Goal 3: Increase Career and Employability Skills
RCSD will improve practical skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to the workplace or long-term career growth, such as college and career training programs. Providing all students with equitable access to complete Option 1 (216 hours of WBL and/or coursework) or Option 2 (pass a department-approved pathway assessment in CDOS), enabling them to qualify for a CDOS commencement credential and benefit from 4+1 options to graduate.
Goal 4: Expand Work-Based Learning (WBL) Opportunities
RCSD will enhance access to career pathways by ensuring all students have access to high-quality work-based learning (WBL) experiences, including paid internships. This will be achieved by assigning a WBL coordinator to each school, providing all students with access to complete a career plan and employability profile, and collecting and sharing relevant data with the school and district CTE team.
Goal 5: Improve Family and Community Engagement
RCSD will improve family and community engagement with our CTE programs by establishing effective communication channels and partnerships. The District will inform families and caretakers about CTE programs and opportunities through various communication channels, generate interest and secure participation from informed families and students, and establish family and community partnerships involving at least one parent/caretaker for each CTE program by forming collaborations with local organizations or hosting dedicated partnership events.