CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION
With seven program areas - Agricultural Education, Business Education, Career Development Education, Family and Consumer Sciences Education, Health Occupations Education, Marketing Education, and Trade and Industrial Education - CTE prepares students for further career-technical education and lifelong learning as well as employment. CTE also assists students to develop decision-making, problem-solving, communication, leadership and citizenship skills, and prepare them to make informed consumer decisions and to apply practical life skills. There are provisions for students with special skills to succeed in career-technical programs, and work-based learning opportunities such as apprenticeships, clinicals, supervised agricultural experiences, cooperative education, job shadowing, and school-based enterprises connect the workplace with course competencies, Students in grades 6-12 combine skills and knowledge found on the job with academic vigor.
Additionally, career-technical student organizations (CTSO) are integral parts of each program's curriculum with any student enrolled in a program eligible for membership in its CTSO. The organizations enhance civic awareness and provide opportunities for developing social competencies and a wholesome attitude about living and working.
The Vocational Competency Achievement Tracking System (VoCATS) is a competency-based, computer supported system that encompasses course planning, lesson planning, text/assessment items, and reports that help the LEA plan, implement and evaluate CTE instruction. This instructional management system provides the status of student performance and documentation of course competency mastery and gain. Initiatives such as the Robeson County Career Center, Robeson County CareerReady Partnership, College Tech Prep, and High Schools That Work (HSTW) support Career-Technical Education and Academic Goals. Each is an integral part of Career-Technical Education.