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CTE enrollments rise; internships jump to 27 and new courses planned, district update says
Summary
Orange County Public Schools reported enrollment increases in career and technical education, a sharp rise in internships to 27 students and plans to add courses such as emergency medical telecommunications and criminal justice.
Orange County Public Schools’ career and technical education (CTE) program reported higher enrollments, a notable jump in internships and multiple new and returning course offerings at the board’s Feb. 24 meeting.
Renee (last name not specified in audio), the division staff member leading the CTE update, said the division employs 29 CTE teachers districtwide and reported 2,330 course enrollments at Orange County High School this year — an increase of 284 enrollments from the prior year. Prospect recorded 299 students making 538 enrollments, and Locust Grove Middle School recorded 581 students making 1,312 enrollments. Agriculture remains the largest career cluster, followed by government and public administration, Renee said.
Renee told the board that certification testing is an area for improvement: the five-year average pass rate for industry and workplace tests is about 73.8 percent, and the division is working to break down test-data to identify areas where students need better supports. She said work-based learning numbers were consistent with last year but internships increased from eight interns to 27 this year, with many internships running year-long; the division plans an internship showcase for parents and the community in late April.
The presentation listed new or restored course offerings for the current year — accounting, career strategies, Teachers for Tomorrow 1 and 2, carpentry 1 and 2, horticulture and vet sciences, and cybersecurity/network systems — and proposed three new courses for next year: video broadcast media, emergency medical telecommunications (to be coordinated with the local EMT office), and criminal justice.
Renee and other staff said they intend to offer NCCER (National Center for Construction Education & Research) core craft skills testing in carpentry courses. They also credited the Orange County Education Foundation with recent funding to install greenhouses at each middle school and to cover expendable supplies not allowed under Perkins funding.
CTE lead Lori Jamerson and community liaison Ellen Patera were recognized for their roles in expanding community partnerships, certifications and internships. Board members responded positively and noted that planned facility improvements (a separate capital project discussion) would support program growth.
The board heard the presentation as part of an information update; no board action was required that evening.
