Professionalism, Sense of Community and Reason to Learn: Lessons from an Exemplary Career and Technical Education Center

Abstract

With current focus on academic proficiency, career and technical education (CTE) programs have received less emphasis as an alternative to traditional high school curricular experiences. Yet, this study found that when compared to peers in general high school settings, students in one rural CTE high school center perceived significantly more appeal, challenge, choices, meaningfulness and self-efficacy in their classrooms. Thus, an extensive qualitative study provided insights into this environment that distinguished it from more traditional secondary school settings. Themes of professionalism, sense of community, and reason to learn emerged in data analyses. Results offer methods that secondary educators can use to engage students in meaningful, challenging learning. Further, data revealed the experiences of students in this center's CTE programs. Findings led to the conclusion that efforts to leave no children behind should include CTE as part of the continuum of educational services.

Gifted native American students: Underperforming, under‐identified, and overlooked

“…Educators can communicate high expectations for students and offer opportunities for a meaningful exchange of ideas by creating an environment built on trust, respect, and support through consistent guidelines for academic and social success (Thornton, Collins, & Daugherty, 2006). For example, rather than expelling a student with excessive absenteeism, showing concern with a home visit, setting an expectation of attendance, and providing transportation, together with consistent monitoring, can provide a lifeline to a student who otherwise might slip through the cracks (Gentry, Rizza, Peters, & Hu, 2005). In her study of motivation and retention of 240 Hispanic and 206 Native American college students, Sanchez (2000) found that Native American students preferred opportunities for feedback, participation, collaboration, and concrete experiences.…”

“…In her study of motivation and retention of 240 Hispanic and 206 Native American college students, Sanchez (2000) found that Native American students preferred opportunities for feedback, participation, collaboration, and concrete experiences. Gentry et al (2005) found similar preferences for learning among high‐school students attending a career and technical education (CTE) center, and Plank (2002) found that involvement in CTE courses protects students from dropping out of school.…”

Differences Between General and Talented Students’ Perceptions of Their Career and Technical Education Experiences Compared to Their Traditional High School Experiences

“…In the past, CTE programs were simply not offered to gifted and talented students (Curtis, Justice, & Curtis, 1980). Despite positive perceptions of CTE (Gaunt & Palmer, 2005), gifted students are still not routinely encouraged to consider enrolling in CTE programs or courses (Gentry, Rizza, Peters, & Hu, 2005;Greenan et al, 1995). This is likely due to the fact that programs for gifted and talented students at the secondary level tend to revolve around accelerated or AP academic course work (National Association for Gifted Children, 2005).…”

Work Ethic as School‐Based Behaviors of Adolescent Students

“…As a result of these changes, today's youth will need initiative and dependability that enable them to be personally accountable for accomplishing goals, along with interpersonal skills to collaborate in teams comprised of individuals with complementary areas of expertise and a wide range of gender, socioeconomic, and cultural perspectives. Such qualities can be fostered by education that attends closely to learner needs and perspectives and that simulates individual accountability and teamwork expectations of the work environments where students will eventually be employed (Gentry, Rizza, Peters, & Hu, 2005). Hands-on, developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive education provided in family and consumer sciences education can address these goals.…”