Middle-school presenters propose expanded CTE pathways to feed local high-school programs

An unnamed district presenter outlined proposed expansion of career-technical-education (CTE) offerings for grades 6–8 at the district’s middle schools, emphasizing Project Lead The Way modules, shop/woodshop capstones, automation/robotics for sixth graders, green architecture for seventh graders, and medical-detection capstones for eighth graders.

The presenter said the goal is to “create a pathway with CTE programming to feed kids into Santana,” adding the district intends to pair middle-school coursework with local high-school pathways at Santana and El Capitan so students can enter job-ready or CTE-focused high-school programs. The presentation named hands-on components already purchased or on display — VEX robotics kits, 3D printers, CNC machines, and a laser engraver — and described partnerships that include guest speakers, internships, and a developing relationship with the Chamber of Commerce.

A separate presenter described elective-module investments (Paxton & Patterson), noting the district purchased 10 modules this year out of 33 available and intends to buy more. Robotics offerings (Robotics 1 and 2, a VEX lead overseen by Mr. Nguyen) were described as heavily used: one period-8 robotics elective has 43 students. Presenters also discussed cross‑curricular projects anchored in science standards, field-trip opportunities, and future aspirations to convert some after‑school programming and pilot electives into scheduled offerings.

Board members asked practical questions about shop facilities, contractor contacts, and internship logistics; presenters said they were connecting with local employers and industry partners to host speakers and investigations. No formal board action was taken during the study session; the presentation was positioned as a vision and request for continued support and alignment with budget conversations.