Objective+16


 * Objective 16: Review the vocational education plan for the school division**


 * Date || Time started || Time ended || Number of hours || Description of activities ||
 * 03/27/13 ||= 3:15 ||= 4:15 ||= 1 || Interviewed Dr. Barry Yost (Supervisor of Career & Technical Education) ||
 * 05/01/13 ||= 3:30 ||= 9:30 ||= 6 || Assisted and attended the FFA Banquet at John S. Battle High School. ||
 * 07/11/13 ||= 8:00 ||= 2:00 ||= 6 || Toured the Neff Center and listened to presentations on CTE curriculum and its impact on graduation requirements. ||
 * 07/12/13 ||= 11:00 ||= 1:00 ||= 2 || Compiled reflections of Objective 16. ||
 * 08/05/13 ||= 8:00 ||= 2:00 ||= 6 || Worked with the Ag department in cleaning up the landscaping at John S. Battle High School ||
 * 09/06/13 ||= 3:00 ||= 10:00 ||= 7 || Assisted the Ag department in field maintenance duties for the football game. ||
 * 09/20/13 ||= 3:00 ||= 10:00 ||= 7 || Assisted the Ag department in field maintenance duties for the football game. ||
 * 10/25/13 ||= 3:00 ||= 10:00 ||= 7 || Assisted the Ag department in field maintenance duties for the football game. ||
 * Reflections and learning |||||||| The career and technical curriculum has an important place in PK-12 education. In 2011-2012 100% of the 240 students who enrolled and completed a CTE program graduated from secondary education. In that same year 92.6% of the students who completed a CTE program either transitioned to employment, military, or furthered their education. The statistics are proof that CTE is successful in keeping students engaged in school and preparing them for life after high school. The Neff Center offers dual credit classes in medical terminology, drafting, networking, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Dual credit course provide students with an opportunity to obtain free college credits. Beginning in 2013 ninth graders must earn a board-approved career and technical education credential to graduate with a standard diploma.

The career and technical program in Washington County does an excellent job of meeting the needs of all students. They offer 25 classes in areas such as welding, pharmacy tech, cosmetology, and auto body. Several of the previously mentioned courses popular with the students and often lead to quick employment upon certification. The biggest problem that the Neff Center is attempting to solve is the stigma of being known as a vocational school. The top 10% of students in Washington County schools do not typically take classes at the Neff Center because of the perception that it's a vocational school for lower level students.

Teaching students soft skills is another challenge that the Neff Center is attempting to solve. Their students are leaving the CTE programs equipped with technical skills but they still need the ability to interview well and prove that they can be reliable to succeed in the work place. The Neff Center has implemented a Skills USA program designed to help with communication, being dependable, and the other skills necessary to gain employment.

Mr. Brian Johnson, the principal at the Neff Center, is working hard to improve the perceptions of the vocational program. He currently attends PTA meetings and freshman orientations at each school in Washington County to inform the students and parents of the many programs offered at the Neff Center. The students at the Neff Center recently took part in building a house for Habitat for Humanity which was a great way of giving back to the community. The success of the students working in the programs and the work of Mr. Johnson spreading the information will help improve the enrollment numbers at the Neff Center. ||
 * Reading(s) |||||||| Career and Technical Education Annual Performance Report for Washington County Public Schools. ||