 |
| Announcements: October 21, 2002 - March 28, 2003 |
| The Workforce Board: Working for Youth in Central Texas |
(posted March 2003)
The Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium, Counselors' Network and the Central Texas Workforce Development Board sponsored a workshop Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at the Killeen Workforce Center on Working For Youth in Central Texas.
A number of public school and college counselors attended the workshop. Topics included general information on strengthening youth employment and career services by using various agencies and communities through advocacy and collaboration. Information on the Central Texas workforce system, specifically, youth career development training and employment services was highlighted. Counselors were briefed on current strategies for job searches, career exploration, school-to-work services, and labor market information.
The mission of the Central Texas Workforce System is to provide quality education, training and labor market services that give businesses and residents of the region competitive advantage in the global economy.
Presenters included Ms. Wanda L. Williams, Special Projects Coordinator for the Central Texas Workforce Board, Ms. Marilynn Dale, Youth Program Services Coordinator, and Dr. S. Chuck McCarter, Director of the Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium.
============
| Central Texas Counselors' Network Workshops - 2003 |
(posted February 2003)
Women in Trades, Technology and Science
"Women in Trades, Technology and Science" was the topic of the Central Texas Counselors' Network Workshop February 13, 2003, at Temple College. Sherry Hollinger, Assistant Director of the Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium facilitated the workshop which provided participants with recruitment and retention strategies designed to increase the number of women in high school and college technical programs. Counselors and teachers learned the importance of mentors, career information, hands-on experience, and targeted marketing efforts in guiding young women into careers often dominated by men.
Upcoming Counselors' Network Workshops
March 26, 2003
"The Workforce Board: Working for Youth in Central Texas" - Central Texas Counselors' Network Workshop
Guest speaker Wanda Williams will present labor market information and job opportunities and programs for area youth. The workshop will be held at the Killeen Workforce Center from 1:00 - 4:00 PM.
April 23, 2003
"Bullying: A Desperate Cry for Help" - Central Texas Counselors' Network Workshop
Jill Riethmayer will be keynote speaker for a luncheon meeting of the Counselors' Network. S. Chuck McCarter will also present a Tech Prep update to the group.
============
| Tech Prep Ambassador Program |
(posted February 2003)
The Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium has launched an initiative for our 32 Central Texas ISD partners called the Tech Prep Ambassador program. The goal will be to promote career and technology and Tech Prep with Central Texas students using Central Texas students. Our focus will be to enhance student awareness of CATE programs that combine secondary and post secondary programs, beginning in high school and leading to an associate degree with advanced technical skills or a two-year certificate.
Why should our partner District become involved? The Ambassador peer mentoring program is relatively unique. The participants work not only for their own benefit but actively assist their peers. The implementation of a peer mentoring program into school districts will establish a culture of mutual benefit and cooperation that will have a positive impact on students such as increased morale, attendance, enhanced productivity and better information to make decisions about high school Tech Prep courses offered, colleges and career choices. This will help the State of Texas and Central Texas business and industry employers get students who are genuinely prepared for work and life after school.
The cost to our District partners and their students will be commitment and cooperation. That will entail designating a peer manager (CATE Director or CATE Faculty) and to encourage outstanding CATE students to complete an Ambassador application. If their student are accepted into this competitive program, he or she and the District's peer manager will be trained at no cost to the District on developing and implementing effective leadership skills and will become Ambassadors for Central Texas Tech Prep.
At the end of the year, Ambassadors who meet or exceed the competitive criteria outlined for participation and have distinguished themselves and their District will be presented awards and college scholarship money. Additionally, participating Districts and their School Boards will be recognized for their contributions. We will do a pilot study this year and will accept only a limited number of participants.
============
| Agriculture Articulation Workshop |
(posted January 2003)
The Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium facilitated an Agriculture Articulation Workshop November 20, 2002, on the campus of Central Texas College. The articulation workshop was to review, update and /or establish local articulation agreements in agriculture for Central Texas ISDs.
Students who complete content-enhanced career/technology courses in high school may be eligible for college credit after enrolling in technical programs at participating two-year colleges.
A total of 22 High School agriculture faculty, CATE administrators and college faculty met to discuss and update classroom issues like course content, teaching and learning styles, texts, as well as hands-on curriculum questions. Central Texas school districts represented were Taylor, Temple, Rogers, Salado, Troy, Copperas Cove, Holland, Hico, Killeen, Academy, and Cameron.
  
============
| Tech Prep and Students with Disabilities |
(posted October 2002)
Tech Prep and Students with Disabilities Workshop
'Successful Transition for ALL students' was the prevailing theme of the informative workshop presented by Dr. Linda Parrish, Professor of Educational Psychology for Texas A&M University on October 17, 2002 at Region 12 Education Service Center. With the focus on 'Tech Prep and Students with Disabilities', Dr. Parrish explained that the transition from a solid secondary school experience to a successful post-secondary education or work setting is the goal for ALL students. She went on to say that the success of this transition is not only important for the individual involved but is imperative for society as a whole. Dr. Parrish's presentation included specifics concerning legal requirements for special populations, an outline of key theoretical concepts, and guidelines concerning helpful attitudes and practices. These tools will certainly assist educational and employment professionals as they aid students in this important life transition.
A highlight of the workshop was a presentation by Mr. Richard Evans, doctoral candidate from Texas A&M. With a background especially relevant to the issues at hand, Richard led the group through the 'ins and outs' of his life. At an early age Richard was diagnosed with a variety of learning disabilities. Throughout his early years he experienced many challenges as he tried to cope in a system of education that clearly did not understand or provide support services for those with special needs. Richard shared with the group some helpful techniques that he used to improve his self-confidence and attitude about learning.
This workshop was a collaborative effort between Education Service Center 12, Central Texas Tech Prep and Heart of Texas Tech Prep Consortium to outreach counselors of Central Texas.
============
|
|
|
