All high schools across the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District offer comprehensive and technical education (CTE) programs. CFISD high schools offer a large variety of classes that promote programs of study for students’ future career paths. Each course requires three or more credits, with at least one being advanced to receive a CTE industry-based certification. This certification can help with later job and or college applications. Career courses should become a requirement to graduate high school because it establishes career readiness and reduce college tuition.
Skill and career-based training courses better help learn about potential career possibilities before students graduate; however, students don’t have to continue with the career choice they’ve chosen in high school once they’re in college. The implementation of career courses as a graduation requirement benefits the transition from schooling into the current workforce by teaching and developing essential skills for career success and a greater chance at employment earlier on. CTE programs allow students the gateway to post high school opportunities such as: apprenticeships, associates and bachelorette degrees, and graduate programs; studies by Manpower Demonstration Research Corporation (MDRC) provides information that graduation rates can significantly increase if the requirement for taking CTE programs is implemented, because they improve engagement and require high attendance to stay on track and earn the credits needed.
Likewise, accomplishing career education courses earlier on could reduce the amount of college tuition encountered; Taking these programs allows students to earn college credit at a lower cost. Many students could be given the opportunity to earn a scholarship from being CTE certified, which reduces the amount of potential debt a student may obtain while in college, making students more eager to continue with their education and acquire jobs. Additionally, CTE programs may provide students the ability to go straight into the workforce without having to take the traditional four-year college degree route. CTE makes graduation from both high school and college easier by increasing the engagement from students by giving them real-world learning experiences that they wouldn’t receive through normal high school courses.
Nonetheless, making CTE programs a requirement could lead to less time for advanced courses and even replace needed core subjects. Advanced courses establish college readiness amongst both students and college administrators; courses like these greatly impact a student’s grade point average (GPA), however, making CTE a requirement could prevent students from having time or space in their schedule for these classes. In addition, CTE could take away time from core subjects, such as math, science and English. Main courses are fundamental to keep people of all ages well-rounded for academic and day-to-day success.
Approximately 40,000+ students attend the 30 different CTE programs offered throughout CFISD. CTE programs are vital for high school students to accomplish real-world skills, earning industry certifications, early career exploration, early college credit, and a head start in high-demand careers like IT, healthcare, skilled trades etc. The ability for Bridgeland and other CFISD high school students to earn one or many potential certifications for their career of choice promotes enrollment at a cheaper expense for parents who want their children to get a head start in life and or career path of choice. Making CTE programs a necessity for high school students creates a stable foundation for graduation and career paths.
