News Release
    Everett Public Schools
    February 1, 2007
    For more information:
    Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049
    Carl Fender, 425-385-4073
    City and county recognize value of Career and Technical Education
    February is National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This year Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon
    and Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson joined the district to draw attention to the academic and economic value of education that
    prepares students for successful careers. Both presented CTE month proclamations to their respective councils. Both the
    councils of government unanimously approved recognizing not only February as CTE month, but the year -round importance of
    programs that help build a strong regional work force.
    The partnerships between businesses and our schools are paving the way for our youth to become skilled and talented
    workers, benefiting both our economy and career fields that forecast tremendous growth within the next decade. CTE
    programs have been met with tremendous success in Snohomish County, says Executive Reardon.
    On January 27, CTE Director Carl Fender reviewed the district's program for the school board, outlining the many ways CTE
    classes help prepare students for success during and beyond high school. CTE encompasses 62 different high school courses
    in the broad categories of:
    l
    Agriculture and horticulture
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    Work based learning
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    Technology and industry
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    Health and human services
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    Marketing
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    Business
    Advisory committees made up of community members help keep CTE classes in synch with industry standards and the district
    in tune with local and regional employer needs and changing trends.
    More than 4,200 students are enrolled in Everett Public Schools CTE classes this year. Each class is designed to have rigor,
    relevance, and relationship, to support basic academic learning and life skills, high academic standards, leadership
    development, career exploration and the potential for high skill and high wage employment and to build excitement about
    lifelong learning.
    Besides building skills, students in CTE classes can save money on college tuition costs. Last year students in CTE Tech Prep
    classes earned 2,449 college credits. Figuring tuition costs at $75 per credit, students collectively saved $183,675 that they
    would have spent on community college or university credits. Instead, each paid just $25 per year while enrolled in high school
    Tech Prep classes.
    Fender reminded the board and audience, Every student is a CTE student. The sixth-grade curriculum includes a career
    interest survey for students. In grade seven they explore career options. In eighth grade, students are planning their transition
    to high school and beginning a High School and Beyond Plan. Preparing students for their futures is something we do at every
    level. High school CTE is a natural extension and an integrated support program of all that happens in other grades and
    academic subjects.
    everett
    Page 1 of 1
    http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/2-5-07
    6/8/2009

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