Engage, Inspire, and
Challenge: Rigorous CTE
Curricula and Academic
Integration
By Jill Ranucci, Ph.D.
Catalina Foothills Demographics
◊ Number of students – Approx. 1650
(increased CTE participation over
100%)
◊ Graduation Rate/Socioeconomics
◊ CTE & State Tests
◊ Challenge All students!
CTE Programs of Study
(POS) Include Academic
Credit, Common Core &
21st Century Skills
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21st Century Skills – Scientific Inquiry
Global competitiveness (partnerships)
Accountability
Technical skills assessments
Dual credit opportunities
CFHS CTE includes
engaging and
differentiated instruction!
• Hands On/Authentic Experiences
• Build From Solid Foundation
• Accountability – evidence/supported
claims
• PARCC type assessment
• Seamless transitions to post secondary
or certification
STEM and CTE Programs of
Study at CFHS
 Biosciences – Chemistry & Science
Elective
 Agri-science – Biology, Chemistry,
Physics-based 3rd year science & AP
 Engineering – Science Elective
 Performing & Graphic Arts – Fine Arts
 Journalism – English Elective
 Rigor, Relevance
Questions To Consider
Why should rigorous CTE
courses be integrated or
embedded into the general
curricula?
1.
1.
Consider impact on course selection if
your CTE courses also offered
academic credit
Questions To Consider
Does
integrating common
core into your CTE courses
make sense? Consider the
enduring possibilities.
Students’ Viewpoints
What
is the added value for your
student population of
providing/integrating rigorous
academics into your CTE
curricula?
Students’ Viewpoints
How
does CTE affect students’
career plans?
 How can we guarantee a viable,
career and college ready curriculum?
 Agriscience
Sequence
Course
Environmental Biology (Biology)
Environmental Chemistry
(Chemistry)
Environmental Science (3rd year –
physics based lab science)
AP Environmental – (AP credit)
 Engineering
- PLTW
Intro to Engineering Design
(science elective)
Principles of Engineering (science
elective)
Digital Electronics (science
elective)
Senior Engineering Capstone (U of
A 3 Engineering Credits)
 Bioscience
Course Sequence
Chemistry – Forensics (Chemistry
Forensics – Biological and Chemical
Applications (Science elective)
Anatomy & Physiology (Science
elective)
Advisory
Boards/CTSO’s/Certification
 Teachers, Industry leaders/businesses, Administrators,
Students/Parents, Local Colleges and Universities
 Integrate and collaborate for students success
 Opportunities for internships, coop, and workplace
experience
 Opportunities for industry certification and
academic foundations to transition to postsecondary
 Strengthen with counselors (secondary & postsecondary) the transition to post-secondary
education
 County wide advisory boards – advantages
Advantages of Academic
Integration
Advantages:
Academic credit – Common Core
Rigorous curriculum/assessment
Cross-walked standards
Collaboration between math, science,
administration, counseling and CTE
department
Industry standard skill acquisition
Post-secondary recognition/credit
AZ State Framework for
Program of Study (POS)
Legislation and policies
Partnerships
Professional Development
Accountability and Evaluation Systems
College/Career Readiness Standards
Course Sequences
Credit Transfer Agreements
Guidance Counseling/Academic Advisement
Teaching and Learning Strategies
Challenges
 Faculty - availability and preparedness
 Stipends/Professional development for
curricular development and revision
 Equipment/Supplies/
 Marketing programs to district and
community
 Graduation restrictions
Dream BIG !
 Take advantage of financial/professional
development opportunities to expand
 Revise former curriculums - 21st Century
skills
 Creative Curriculum for Common Core and
Programs of Study
 Proposals need to include data/rationale
 Collaborate with your school and
surrounding community
 Don’t be afraid to ask
QUESTIONS?
Contact Information
Jill Ranucci, Ph.D.
JTED/CTE Coordinator
Catalina Foothills High School
4300 E. Sunrise Dr.
Tucson, AZ 85718
(520) 209-8351
jranucci@cfsd16.org