Advanced Academics » Career Readiness / Career & Technical Education

Career Readiness / Career & Technical Education

 
 
 
 
The mission of the Career and Technical Education Department is to recognize the needs of a diverse student population and to assist students in gaining skills to become competitive, independent, productive citizens in a global economy.
Students will be given opportunities to maximize their fullest potential through quality instruction linked to business and industry, career guidance, and active student leadership organizations.



Career and Technical Education Vision

The vision of the Sheldon ISD Career and Technical Education program is to equip students with industry certifications aligned to the needs of the community and to provide students with the skills to either begin high-skilled, high-wage careers or to continue their post-secondary education.
 
 

CTE Offers Academic Courses and Programs that Provide:

  • Rigorous training in today’s most high-demand and high-growth career fields
  • Challenging curriculum integrated with core subjects, including English, math, and science
  • Hands-on activities based on real-world applications
  • Opportunities to complete graduation requirements and get a jumpstart on post-secondary goals


CTE Prepares Students to Achieve Post-Secondary Goals:

Gain Career and Workforce Readiness Skills and Knowledge
  • Understand basic expectations of the workplace
  • Learn technical skills and knowledge required in today’s careers through hands-on experiences
  • Build a strong resume and interviewing skills
  • Job preparation
  • Earn industry certifications and licenses


Career Pathways

A career pathway is a coherent sequence of four or more credits in Career and Technical Education that consists of at least two courses in the same career cluster. Career pathways offer real-world learning and prepare students for a range of post-graduation options which can include two or four-year college, certificate programs, apprenticeships or internships/formal training.

What is a Coherent Sequence?

According to The Texas State Board of Education (January 2014), a coherent sequence is defined as four or more credits in CTE that consist of at least two courses in the same cluster.

What are Career Clusters?

Career clusters help to ensure that learners are provided with the knowledge and skills needed for multiple career choices by matching what is taught in the classroom to business, industry, and post-secondary and higher education expectations. The 16 National Career Clusters include:

  • Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
  • Architecture and Construction
  • Arts, A/V Technology and Communications
  • Business Management and Administration
  • Education and Training
  • Finance
  • Government and Public Administration
  • Health Science
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Human Services
  • Information Technology
  • Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
  • Manufacturing
  • Marketing
  • Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics


How Do Students Earn an Endorsement Through a Career Pathway?

Under House Bill 5 (HB5) and the Foundation High School Program (FHSP), students must select at least one of the following endorsements:

  • Arts & Humanities
  • Business & Industry
  • Public Services
  • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
  • Multidisciplinary Studies

To earn an endorsement, students must complete: 1) curriculum requirements for the FHSP, 2) an additional advanced math and advanced science credit, and 3) a career pathway (i.e., coherent sequence), which qualifies for the intended endorsement area.

Sheldon ISD is a proud member of the first cohort of the Texas Regional Pathways Network (TRPN). Launched in 2019, the TRPN supports Governor Abbott's Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, through which the Texas Education Agency, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, and Texas Workforce Commission are working collaboratively to increase economic prosperity in Texas by linking education and industry. The TRPN consists of ten regional partnerships working to build strong educational and career pathways that prepare Texans for careers in high-wage, in-demand industries. Sheldon ISD is a partner in the Gulf Coast Pipeline Project: Building Tomorrow's Workforce. The partnership includes K-12 education, postsecondary education, workforce and economic development, business and industry, government and nonprofit organizations.