Dorchester 4 highlights CTE growth, approves honors work‑based learning course for Woodland High

Dorchester School District 4 trustees spent an extended portion of the meeting on Career and Technical Education (CTE), hearing program highlights and voting to add an honors work‑based learning option at Woodland High School.

Corey, the district’s curriculum and instruction presenter, described CTE funding (state and federal Perkins funds), program expansions and industry partnerships across grades six through 12. He highlighted local successes in agriculture (new FFA chapter and hands‑on projects), health science field experiences (students practicing clinical skills and pursuing CNA certification), and plans for new offerings such as game and interactive media design and esports labs. "We support programming across grades six through 12," Corey said, noting state funding and industry certification goals.

Corey described partnerships that enable clinical hours, work‑based learning credit and industry certificates (Adobe, CNA and others). He also pointed to welding investments and county career‑school capacity, noting the county’s plan to add robotic welding equipment and expand welding seats.

As an action item, trustees voted unanimously to approve an honors work‑based learning syllabus (a 120‑hour option) for Woodland High School beginning fall 2025. The motion was made by Miss Evelyn Enfinger and seconded by Mr. Folk.

Why it matters: trustees said expanding CTE pathways and work‑based learning aligns district curricula with local labor demand and provides students with industry‑recognized credentials and hands‑on experience that can lead directly to employment or further training.

Next steps: district staff will implement the honors syllabus, continue partnerships for clinical placements, and proceed with teacher training for the new game‑design and esports programming.