Columbus City Schools (CCS) Career Technical-Education (CTE) program is hitting high marks, boasting a 4.5-star rating from the Ohio Career-Technical Planning District (CTPD) State Report Card. An impressive leap from its previous 3.5 stars, CTE is setting the bar for integrating real-world applications into the classroom. "CTE is valuable for students because they see the why of learning," according to Columbus City Schools, CCS Director of Career Technical-Education Jenny Meade explained in a recent interview. The approach is resonating with students, who are showing a strong grasp on how to apply what they learn, inside the technical skill they're honing and beyond.
CCS's recent report card indicates that students engaged in the CTE program are graduating at a higher rate compared to their peers outside the program. In 2024, the district overall had a 4-year graduation rate of 78.3%, while CTE students excelled with a rate of 95.9%. "That data speaks for itself," Meade shared through the CCS website. The program not only significantly increases graduation rates but also offers a pathway to earning college credit. CTE's evolution now allows students the flexibility to opt for college post-graduation or enter the workforce directly, with some choosing to do both.
To achieve this recently acquired star rating, CCS aligned its curriculum closer to industry standards, particularly the WebXam, a career field pathway end-of-course test. Teachers engaged in professional development days focused on quality instruction and scenario-based activities, facilitating a deeper learning experience aimed squarely at increasing students' success on this pivotal exam.
With an eye on perfection, the CTE program aims to further bolster its achievement category by honing technical skill attainment. Meade mentioned through the CCS website, "We need to focus on technical skill attainment and help students pass their WebXams and earn the 12-point credential of their field." Forging ties with industry professionals through field trips and invites to events like Manufacturing Day, CTE connects coursework with on-the-ground industry practices, such as OSHA 10 certification and safety compliance, relevant to the "Safety in the Workplace" WebXam section.
Regarding outreach, the CTE Showcase has expanded its audience to K-12 students, allowing them to explore the array of CTE offerings and interact with industry professionals. Meade advises students considering CTE to reflect on their interests, asserting, "The question really should be what do you like to do? And that is probably one of the most beneficial things." Those interested in the CTE program can find more information on the CCS website.
