Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) is dedicated to preparing students for 21st century workplace careers by providing high-quality educational opportunities that support the economy with an educated workforce. CTAE integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational skills to prepare students for post-secondary education and the workforce.
“Our goal in education is to prepare students to live fulfilling lives,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “We want students to find careers they love. We want them to use their skills and talents to contribute to their communities and build the future of our state. Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education makes that happen by connecting Georgia’s K-12 schools with business and industry and helping students see the relevance of their education. This year’s graduation rate shows the program continues to succeed.”
The state of Georgia has identified 17 career clusters that are structured to prepare students for Georgia’s labor force. CTAE pathways, based on these career clusters, are available for students to complete based on a set of common knowledge, skills and abilities which prepares students for various opportunities. These opportunities include, but are not limited to, advanced curriculum, Dual Enrollment, Work-based Learning (WBL), career awareness, career development and employability skills.
Placement Rate--The placement rate for high school graduates who are pathway completers (in postsecondary education or advanced training, in military service, or in employment six months following graduation) was 99.6 percent,
Graduation Rate-- The Marion County graduation rate for students involved in the CTAE program has risen to 96.83 percent. This rate, which applies to students who complete a Career Pathway, exceeds the statewide graduation rate of 96.54 percent. Research indicates that students who set career goals are more likely to be focused and experience success in school.
Industry Credentials- -Students who successfully complete the three Career Pathways within their chosen field earn recognized industry credentials by completing a national industry specific exam. Students are recognized at graduation for successfully completing this additional step.
Higher Education-- CTAE is for all students, and Career Pathway Completers are prepared to pursue higher education (through the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or other institutions), enter the military, accept an apprenticeship opportunity or immediately begin their career.
Work-Based Learning-- Students who are juniors or seniors and at least 16 years old may be released from school one or two blocks each day to participate in Work-Based Learning. The Work-Based Learning Coordinator works to place students in positions related to their career pathways. Youth Apprenticeship Programs are also available for students who have certain career interests.
Student Organizations -- CTSOs are co-curricular – not extracurricular. Co-curricular activities are incorporated into the instruction program and receive instructional time within the classroom. Classroom instruction + Laboratory experiences + Student Organization Activities yield a well-rounded individual better prepared to be a productive citizen. CTSOs allow students to gain valuable leadership skills through applying skills and knowledge gained in the classroom while conduction a wide variety of activities. Marion County offers the following CTSOs: FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America); FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; and FFA (Future Farmers of America).
Marion County offers the following programs, and career pathways and opportunities:
- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (Instructor: John Hagin)
- Forestry/Natural Resources
- Agriculture Mechanics
- Business Management and Administration (Instructor: Sandy Wells)
- Business and Technology
- Family and Consumer Sciences / Education (Instructor: Megan Scott)
- Nutrition & food Science
- Education and Training (Instructor: Megan Scott)
- Teaching as a Procession
- Healthcare Science (Instructor: David Chapman)
- Therapeutic Services/Patient Care
- Youth Apprenticeship (Instructor: Lehanne Singleton)
Community Partnerships— CTAE programs have advisory committees composed of industry leaders, postsecondary educators, school district educators, and parent representatives. Committee members perform the crucial functions of advising schools on stakeholders' needs, offering on-the-job training through job shadowing and internships, providing support to the CTAE programs, and sometimes donating materials and equipment. Anyone wishing to participate in the local CTAE Advisory Committee should contact CTAE Director, Megan Scott.
To learn more about Marion County CTAE, contact program Director, Megan Ford Scott at 229-649-7520.