The Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program has achieved notable milestones, moving students towards success in their chosen career pathways in the 2022-2023 school year. With achievements spanning from rising career pathway completions and industry certifications to increased End-of- Pathway Assessment pass rates and Career Ready Diploma Seals, the district is preparing students for the real world.
“We have consistently seen CTAE achievement gains over the last several years with increased pathway enrollment, increased pathway offerings, increased pathway completion, increased Work Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Program enrollment, increased pass rate on the End-of-Pathway Assessment, and increased Career Ready Diploma Seal recipients,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “This success validates our strategic focus on advising students to pursue career pathways of interest as part of their high school matriculation, so that they can enhance their viability as they prepare to pursue their postsecondary options.”
CTAE Pathway Completers are students who have successfully completed course work from a sequence of career-related courses in a specific area of study. In RCPS, an impressive 1,065 students in the 2022-2023 school year proved their commitment and determination by completing their chosen career pathways, a number that stands as a testament to the outstanding CTAE educators and the district's belief in equipping students with practical skills that will undoubtedly translate into future success.
Moreover, the district celebrates rising End-of-Pathway Assessment pass rates. End-of-Pathway Assessments are national or state industry certifications and occupational assessments that measure the level of technical skill attainment. With a
78.80% pass rate in 2022-2023, an impressive
increase of more than 8% from the previous year, RCPS students showcased their ability in mastering their respective career pathways. This accomplishment is not just a mere statistic; it represents the hard work and determination of the 934 students who took the assessment, with 736 among them earning industry certification or certificates that are recognized throughout the state and nation.
Enrollment in CTAE programs has
grown by nearly 5% over two years, reaching 5,772 CTAE students in middle and high schools. This growth underscores the program’s popularity and success in preparing students with meaningful skills. RCPS offers 30 high school career pathways, 10 middle school programs, and recently added one elementary school program. This growth also demonstrates the district's commitment to fostering a vibrant and diverse community of learners who are equipped with the technical skills and training needed to successfully transition into post-secondary education and careers.
Finally, RCPS celebrates the accomplishment of
618 students who earned the
Career Ready Diploma Seal in 2022-2023. The Career Ready Diploma Seal is awarded to students who complete a series of accomplishments such as completing a pathway, passing the related End-of-Pathway Assessment, and engaging in school and community activities and experiences that foster career readiness. The diploma seal stands as a symbol of their dedication to becoming well-rounded and prepared individuals who are ready to take on the world, armed with the skills and knowledge acquired from the CTAE program.
These accomplishments are not by happenstance. CTAE Director Dionne Johnigan said, "We are incredibly proud of the outstanding accomplishments achieved by our students. These accomplishments reflect our unwavering commitment to providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their chosen fields. These achievements are the result of the hard work of our students, educators, and community partners who have collaborated to make our CTAE program a success."
“I commend our CTAE Director and her amazing team to include our Work Based Learning Coordinators and most especially our CTAE pathway teachers for their commitment and dedication to our students’ career pathway success,” said Dr. Oatts.
As the district looks to the future, these achievements serve as a reminder of the power of continuous improvement and determination in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.