Career and Technical Education

The best programs recognize the boundless potential of kids to achieve anything, challenging the outdated notion that vocational programs merely serve as fallbacks to college. These programs equip students to think broadly about their futures while anchoring opportunities in real-world applications.

Rigorous CTE programs feature educators with deep experience in their respective fields, committed to delivering engaging and effective instruction. They maintain a curriculum that stays current, well-structured, and aligns with industry standards, while ensuring a challenging and rewarding learning experience for students.

At C.E. King High School in Sheldon ISD, a model of inclusive education prevails where all teachers and students engage and collaborate across disciplines, ensuring consistency in learning language and content quality.

Every student enrolls in an Academy, each offering distinct tracks to spark inspiration and foster success.

The school hosts six Academies with over 27 programs in total, including the Future Business Leaders Academy, Medical Academy, Early College, STEAM, and others.

The Alief ISD Marshall Center for Advanced Careers epitomizes educational excellence and rigor by integrating rigorous academic coursework with the pursuit of industry-recognized certifications. Through this dynamic approach, students actively engage with both theoretical concepts and practical skills, both vital for navigating today’s competitive job market.

For instance, the Engineering – Process Technology program harnesses Oculus VR technology to create immersive learning environments to actively prepare students for the Certified Production Technician (CPT) certification from the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC).

Similarly, the Welding program sets high standards and adopts a hands-on approach, training students for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Through this training, students develop the essential skills in diverse welding techniques and safety protocols, crucial for the construction and manufacturing sectors.

In another standout example, students engaged in the the Digital Design program explore a curriculum that leads to Adobe Certified Associate (ACA) certifications, while sharpening their skills in digital communication tools vital for careers in graphic design, web development, and digital media.

Through these focused, certification-driven programs, the Alief ISD Center for Advanced Careers demonstrates its dedication to not just academically challenging students but also arming them with the credentials and competencies for professional success.

The most inspiring CTE programs concentrate on specific fields while equipping students with relevant skills that enhance their competitiveness across various industries.

These programs acknowledge the relevance and competitiveness of their industry-based certifications in today’s job market. They consistently evaluate their offerings against industry demands and future job market trends.

Most importantly, they steer students towards recognizing their strengths and interests and aligning them with industry needs.

By aligning its curriculum with workforce demands, the Alief ISD Marshall Center for Advanced Careers ensures its programs remain highly relevant. It offers students hands-on experience and skills that translate directly into career opportunities.

For instance, the Automotive Technology program equips students with practical vehicle maintenance and repair skills to prepare them for National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certification while providing them opportunities to develop soft skills through real-world customer engagement.

The Health Sciences program excels in preparing students for healthcare careers by providing pathways to certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Pharmacy Technician Certification (PTC), making students qualified professionals ready to enter a high-demand industry.

The Welding program at the Alief ISD Marshall Center for Advanced Careers is not just about welding. It’s about developing proficiency in techniques crucial across sectors, preparing students for American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. This opens up opportunities in high-demand industries ranging from aerospace to infrastructure.

By focusing on high-demand real-world skills, the Alief ISD Center for Advanced Careers ensures its offerings are relevant today and critical to students’ future professional advancement and success.

C.E. King High School actively engages students by continuously assessing the relevance of its curriculum to their personal and professional lives, asking them to consider, ‘Is this relevant to me and the world around me? ‘

Additionally, every two years, C.E. King conducts a thorough industry scan. This process confirms each program’s current relevance and helps identify emerging fields and technologies. Based on these insights, the school dynamically adjusts its curriculum, adding new programs that meet emerging needs and phasing out less relevant ones. Through this proactive approach, the school keeps educational development at the forefront while ensuring students receive training that is both contemporary and applicable to the real world.

The way students tap into careers and social mobility is as much about what they know as the relationships they build.

Social capital holds immense power, encapsulated in the idea that ‘It’s not just who you know, but also who knows you.’ The most effective CTE programs expose students to industry professionals and provide safe environments for practicing workplace behaviors, social intelligence, and other skills crucial for social mobility. By fostering relationships with industry leaders and school staff, students develop a practical understanding of the ‘real world’ and learn strategies to successfully navigate it.

At C.E. King High School, the CTE program aims to broaden horizons and open doors for students.

As school leader Shante emphasizes, ‘our job is to remove roadblocks,’ highlighting that certifications equip students with valuable opportunities.

Instead of constraining students to choose a career path at the ages of 14-15, the staff of C.E. King focuses on creating a virtuous cycle of exposure and knowledge by aiming to eliminate barriers to future economic possibilities and equip students with practical tools for post-secondary success.

For example, students might learn cosmetology skills like haircutting to support themselves through college, or acquire foundational knowledge that facilitates further certifications, all starting from their high school education.

Group learning and collaboration take center stage at the Alief ISD Marshall Center for Advanced Careers, underscoring the school’s commitment to arming students with the skills to effectively develop and manage professional relationships.

For example, in the Digital Design program students collaborate on projects targeting Adobe Certified Associate certifications . From developing digital marketing campaigns to designing user interfaces, the experiences aim to simulate real-world environments where designers, developers, and marketers unite to achieve common goals.

Similarly, Culinary Arts students tackle the ServSafe certification through projects aimed at helping them develop the cooperative skills necessary for future careers managing kitchens, planning menus, and coordinating large-scale catering events.

Beyond the classroom, leaders at Marshall actively cultivate a campus culture that promotes career exploration and critical questioning.

Whether through community-building workshops focusing on vulnerability or peer storytelling sessions, the school provides platforms for students to gain confidence and advance toward promising, potential-rich careers.