CCS CTE Data Dive 3/3/26 by Melony Ritter

2026-03-03 13:49:27 UTC

It aligns well, however not for every student due to a knowledge test, medical exam, and background checks it makes it difficult to go into our program workforce.

Drafting

2026-03-03 13:52:30 UTC

Drafting aligns well to the workforce standard, acting as a spring board for Architectural and Engineering careers.

2026-03-03 13:54:19 UTC

I find that my EC/IEP students are being underserved in my class due to having large class sizes and short class times therefore not allowing me to give the full class instruction and also sit with them separately to make sure they are understanding the material.

ALIGNMENT

2026-03-03 13:55:17 UTC

Our program aligns fairly well. We ensure that we have guest speakers and touch on standards thoroughly within the classroom. We could do better with having more guest speakers for CTE. Perhaps this is an area that I would grow with in the future.

2026-03-03 13:56:39 UTC

I would love to have more computers for my classroom. Currently I have 25 working computers, but for almost every class I have multiple students using their own Chromebooks due to class sizes being larger than the amount of computers that I have.

I do not know.

2026-03-03 13:57:22 UTC

2026-03-03 13:57:54 UTC

There is a shortage of CPAs. The accounting courses help educate potential future certified public accountants.

The accounting courses use standards aligned with the state.

Drafting

2026-03-03 13:58:02 UTC

We don't see an achievement gap in the classroom for Drafting. However, when it comes to competing at SkillsUSA - we have to provide our own equipment at competitions for Drafting and we do not have the ability to do this as we do not have any available.

The Family and Consumer Sciences program is highly effective in training students and introducing them to a wide range of career options. Through hands-on learning experiences, students develop practical life skills while exploring careers in areas such as education, fashion, culinary arts, interior design, health sciences, and business. The program bridges classroom instruction with real-world applications, preparing students for both college and the workforce.

2026-03-03 13:58:28 UTC

2026-03-03 13:58:41 UTC

Financial difficulties with meeting the needs of maintaining proper uniform care

2026-03-03 13:59:32 UTC

In terms of performance trends, my class is teaching the proper use of AI.

Any gaps?

2026-03-03 13:59:42 UTC

Our students perform relatively well in the CTE programs. The PBM and field tests have been manageable. It really is about create content to help them continue to grow.

2026-03-03 14:00:19 UTC

From what I have observed so far, my Computer Science program appears to align very well with both established standards and current workforce needs. The curriculum, learning objectives, and skill development opportunities seem to reflect industry expectations and emphasize practical, career-ready competencies.

However, as a first-year teacher, I have not yet had the opportunity to take a deep dive into all aspects of the standards and workforce alignment to fully evaluate where improvements or stronger connections could be made. As I gain more experience and time to analyze the standards more thoroughly, I hope to identify additional ways to strengthen and refine that alignment.

I also have a hard time balancing OCS and high preforming students in the same classes. My OCS students often need additional help understanding instructions and material while high preforming students move so quickly they are done before my OCS students get started.

2026-03-03 14:00:20 UTC

2026-03-03 14:00:50 UTC

As an AICPA member, I promote the organization's student membership. They provide great resources for my classroom.

I do not see any major concerns within the FCS space at this time. The students are performing fairly well and are consistently engaged and excited to come to class. The positive classroom environment supports both academic growth and career exploration.

2026-03-03 14:00:53 UTC

Barriers

2026-03-03 14:00:53 UTC

Our main barrier is absenteeism, but with MTSS we are actively working on improving these concerns. As the MTSS lead, I could do a better job at taking action in addressing these issues within the school.

2026-03-03 14:01:28 UTC

Due to being new, we need more information on how our students benefit and/or the true requirement needed from the "workforce"

2026-03-03 14:01:39 UTC

For a person back in a CTE classroom after being out for a few years. For curriculum that used to be shared in a central location, from what I remembered, 1 class was very easy to find, get information regarding PBM, and knowing what to do and understand how to assess students using this. However, 1 class was very difficult to locate information and had to dive very deep to find curriculum, which as very frustrating. The curriculum was not in a central location nor shared. Getting access to curriculum should not have been that hard.

SchoolNet, being new (after being a Vocats person for many years) understanding where this was and how to access it was frustrating. FINALLY, after getting some help from Patricia at the February CTE Day, I was able to get some knowledge on this to help with my 1 class that has a state test.

2026-03-03 14:02:39 UTC

I have enjoyed the PD sessions and format structure.

2026-03-03 14:03:21 UTC

Having seniors being put in a level 1 class who do not want to be in this class, takes away from an underclassman that actually wants to take this class. Not a new problem, but needs to be addressed.

Performance trend and achievement GAPs

2026-03-03 14:03:38 UTC

Performance kid are too engaged in personal media, games and you tube, hence I find it hard to keep them engaged on what we are doing in class.

Our industry partners could use some work.

2026-03-03 14:04:03 UTC

I am working to bring the ACE Mentorship program to Cox Mill Fall 2026. It is a group of industry professionals that will come and teach, mentor and provide guidance to students interested in careers in Architecture, Construction and Engineering.

Decent partnerships

2026-03-03 14:04:09 UTC

This is decent. Since I have been at the school, I have had the opportunity to work with a couple of industry partners. Nothing new has been consistent in the org. This could be a growth area for us.

Underrepresentation

2026-03-03 14:05:11 UTC

In my Intro to Engineering Class there are a lot less girls. In my Principle of Engineering there are less girls and students of color.

2026-03-03 14:05:15 UTC

Having additional working computers in my classroom would be extremely helpful. I currently have 29 functioning computers, but with class sizes fluctuating between 30 and 33 students, it can become challenging to manage effectively. When there are more students than available devices, it creates logistical difficulties and can impact student productivity and engagement. Having enough computers for each student would greatly improve classroom management and ensure all students have consistent access to the tools they need.

Nothing specific

2026-03-03 14:05:42 UTC

I think that our organization does a good job with training. I think that I could always get additional tips or resources for easy engagement for classes though.

some students have varying learning abilities, which can make it challenging to ensure that all students fully understand how to complete certain activities. Differentiated instruction and additional support are sometimes necessary to meet the diverse needs within the classroom.

2026-03-03 14:06:22 UTC

Engagement Strategies

2026-03-03 14:07:09 UTC

I think engagement strategies can always be cool. It can be improved on for me.

2026-03-03 14:07:22 UTC

I have observed a proactive approach from my CTE program in regards to workforce needs. The positive approach to bridge the gap and showing the opportunities that students have has been refreshing.

Student representation & barriers to access

2026-03-03 14:07:30 UTC

In my Drafting classes, there seems to be a solid level of diversity in level 1 and then it often tends to be more male heavy in upper level courses. Ethically, I observe a good balance of diverse students throughout the courses and in balance with my school diversity percentages.

Industry Partner and Work Based Learning

2026-03-03 14:08:02 UTC

One funds are tight and cannot take as many field trips as I would like to. I have met a couple of professionals that are willing to share their personal experience. Our Career Coordinator is doing a great job at feeling the GAP and make the realistic connection.

PDs Needed

2026-03-03 14:09:16 UTC

I think the PD are great, I feel we need more time in the PD training so we can actually put the information into practice. Once we leave the PD we are back to our regular schedules.

CTE Alignment

2026-03-03 14:11:19 UTC

I am not sure that it does. The information appears to be outdated. Not enough relevant hands-on activitites.

Teacher Support

2026-03-03 14:11:24 UTC

I feel the teacher support is great especially on a mentorship level, and other teacher willing to help out. I think that making the meeting of Mentors/Mentees and teacher collaboration should be pushed more as mandatory.

Drafting PLC

2026-03-03 14:11:55 UTC

PD in Fusion, AutoDesk, UNC-Charlotte STEM PLC as a PLC next year.

Money

2026-03-03 14:13:33 UTC

We just need more funds to help provide engineering projects that are more fun and effective.

Performance trends

2026-03-03 14:14:41 UTC

Students unable to express themselves in writing at the required level.

2026-03-03 14:15:45 UTC

We do a great job of PD but as always we can improve what or how we offer this. The February format was well done and the variety of sessions offered was great.

Drafting

2026-03-03 14:18:17 UTC

Access to Fusion, field trips and AutoDesk PD.