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Welcome to Gilchrist County School District's Career and Technical Education (CTE) informational page. Career and Technical Education (CTE) for secondary students focuses on equipping them with practical skills and knowledge directly related to various careers and industries. Here are some key aspects of CTE:

Skill Development: CTE programs offer hands-on training in fields like healthcare, information technology, engineering, agriculture, and more. This helps students develop specific skills that are in demand in the workforce.
Career Exploration: These programs allow students to explore different career paths and gain a better understanding of what they might want to pursue after graduation.
Industry Connections: CTE often involves partnerships with local businesses and industries, providing students with opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and real-world experience.
Academic Integration: CTE integrates academic learning with technical and occupational skills, ensuring that students are well-rounded and prepared for both college and careers.
Certification and Credentials: Many CTE programs offer certifications or credentials that students can earn, which can enhance their employability and provide a head start in their chosen fields.

Overall, CTE aims to prepare students for the workforce by providing them with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in various careers.

WHAT IS CTE?

Career and Technical Education is the blending of applied academic and career content. There are many opportunities for application of learning, such as clubs (FBLA, HOSA, FHA, etc), internships, shadowing, on the job training (OJT), an project-based activities. CTE also provides opportunities for postsecondary credit through articulation agreements statewide and with local colleges. Your child may receive college credit for passing an Industry Certification test!

Industry Certifications are credentials that your child can receive may passing a third-party assessment after completion of specific CTE coursework. An Industry Certification demonstrates that your child has met certain industry standards for knowledge and skill in a given area and improves his or her employability. If you child passes an Industry Certification and meet the requirements for a diploma, he or she can earn a MERIT designation.

WHY IS CTE IMPORTANT?

Career and Technical Education programs do so much for your child! Research shows that:

More than 70% of CTE concentrators pursue college
Involvement in CTE minimizes the risk of students dropping out of school
High school students involved in CTE are more engaged, perform better, and graduate at higher rates
High school students involved in CTE have less disciplinary referrals
High school students involved in CTE are less likely to be involved in bullying

Check out the data below on Career and Professional Education (CAPE) students who earn industry certifications vs. other students:

Performance Indicator	Non-CAPE, No Certification	CAPE + Certification
Average GPA	2.66	2.99
Chronically Absent	18.1%	11.2%
At Least One Disciplinary Action	14.6%	9.4%
Dropout Rate	2.8%	.3%
12th Graders Earning Standard Diploma	67.5%	94.2%
At Least One Accelerated Course	30.6%	43.6%
Bright Futures Eligible Seniors	20.7%	31.7%
Employed or Enrolled in College After Graduation	79.4%	83.9%

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Some industry certifications are on the statewide list of "Gold Standard" industry certifications, meaning that they will articulate for college credit at any Florida college. Earning college credit by passing an industry certification assessment in high school really saves parents/students money that they would have had to pay in tuition and fees.

Florida CTE High School Diploma Option

In Florida, students have the option to earn a standard high school diploma through the Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway. This option is designed to provide students with practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for the workforce. Here are the key requirements for the CTE pathway:

Credit Requirements: Students must successfully complete a minimum of 18 credits.
GPA: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.
Core Courses:
- 4 English credits (including passing the statewide grade 10 Reading assessment or the grade 10 ELA assessment, or earning a concordant score).
- 4 Math credits (including passing the statewide Algebra I EOC assessment, or earning a comparative score).
- 3 Science credits.
- 3 Social Studies credits.
CTE Credits: Students must complete two credits in career and technical education. These courses must result in program completion and an industry certification.
Electives:
- For students entering grade 9 before the 2023-2024 school year: Complete two credits in electives or work-based learning programs (a half-credit in financial literacy may be included).
- For students entering grade 9 in the 2023-2024 school year and thereafter: Complete one and a half credits in electives or work-based learning programs.

Gilchrist County School District has incorporated the CTE pathway option into our student progression plan

This pathway provides a valuable alternative for students who are more inclined towards technical and career-oriented education, offering them a head start in their chosen fields. If you have any more questions or need further details, please contact your high school guidance councelor!

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION FOR CTE

The Gilchrist County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status or genetic information in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to:

Name and/or Title: Linda Gartin, Equity Officer
Office Address: 310 NW 11th Avenue / Trenton, Florida32693
Phone Number (Voice/TDD): (352) 463-3200
E-mail: allend@mygcsd.org

In addition, the Gilchrist County School District offers a variety of career and technical education programs described here, including career academies wherein students may earn industry certification.

The district prohibits discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment, and in access to educational programs and activities, and prohibits harassment of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or genetic information(and other protected classes included in the district’s nondiscrimination policies).

Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and, if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.