Technology, Life and Careers (TLC): The First Step Toward CTE Engagement Mike Woodard, TLC Teacher Marshall Ranch Elementary Peoria Unified School District

Over 36,000 students 34 Elementary Schools 8 High Schools 93% graduation rate 98% among CTE Concentrators Mission Statement: Preparing students to meet their future potential Vision Statement: Every student, every day prepared to shape tomorrow

TLC In Middle School/Junior High Is it important to understand today’s technology at an early age? Is it important to teach students good decision making skills – how to think critically and make good decisions? Is it important to identify what individual students enjoy doing – to find their passion for a potential future career?

TLC In Middle School/Junior High Provides … Critical knowledge of technology; how it works and how to use it responsibly A foundation for good decision making in Junior High and in the future A glimpse of a wide variety of potential careers 7th and 8th grade

TLC in Middle School/Junior High Increases Awareness and Participation in High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Keeps students interested and engaged Provides a pipeline of students for the future Helps students identify potential careers Increases participation in clubs and organizations

Technology Word PowerPoint Excel Access Search Engines Internet Safety Week

Technology Literacy Assessments Lab Activities

Employability Skills Interviewing Resume Writing Soft Skills Development Workplace Standards Practice Job Interviews

Key Career Categories

Transition To High School Career Exploration Day MyLife Day Pre-registration for 9th grade AZCIS

How To Make TLC Engaging: Use The Technology “All About Me” PowerPoint “Personal Budget” in Excel Morning Announcements (MRTV) Typing.com “Paint” Learning.com

How to Make TLC Engaging: Provide Hands-On Activities Shark Tank Digital Photography Contest Programming Drones and Cars Hydroponics/”Grow Your Own” Public Service Announcements Soft Skills Presentations

How To Make TLC Engaging: Software, Kits, Events Code.org (Computer Programming) RoomSketcher (Interior Design) “Ed Heads” (Medical Surgeries) Smithsonian Motor Works Electronic Snap Circuits Skype Teleconferences and Activities

How To Make TLC Engaging: Guest Speakers Military (Veterans) Police Fire Parents as a Resource Local Business as a Resource Students Automotive Nursing Sports Medicine

How To Make TLC Engaging: Think Creatively Culinary (Cake Decorating, Foods of the World) Fashion (Fashion Show and Clothing Brands) Cosmetology (Movie Makeup)

How To Make TLC Engaging: Personalized Learning Provide Options Find activities that fuel their passion Provide additional support Continue to challenge and add rigor Provide contacts at the high school and at local businesses Always have a “next step”

How To Make TLC Engaging: Student Organizations Future Business Leaders of America Health Occupations, Students of America SkillsUSA

How To Make TLC Engaging: TLC Teachers Care and Share Quarterly Induction Meetings and Training Sharing Is Caring What Works and What Doesn’t Work Best Practices A Community

How To Make TLC Engaging: Work With CTE Teachers and Business Advisory Council Understand the businesses that will have the largest job growth Identify the skills businesses will need from future employees Determine how students can get a jump on obtaining those skills - TLC - CTE - Dual Enrollment - Trade Schools - West-MEC - Internships Develop a plan for future studies and obtaining real world experience

How To Make TLC Engaging: Collaborate with Core Subject Teachers Turn a book report into a PowerPoint presentation Turn a book report into a video Emails/Filing/Organizing Science = Drones Social Studies = Fake news, states vs. fed (it’s happened before but without the technology) Teach Math in everyday life Interest rates Personal budget Using credit cards Buying a car

How To Make TLC Engaging Use The Technology Provide Hands-On Activities Offer Online Educational Games Provide Guest Speakers Think Creatively Personalize Learning Offer Student Organizations Share Best Practices with TLC Teachers Work with CTE Teachers and Advisory Committee Collaborate with Core Subject Teachers Promote the Program (Increase Awareness)

TLC In Middle School/Junior High Provides … Critical knowledge of technology; how it works and how to use it responsibly A foundation for good decision making in Junior High and in the future A glimpse of a wide variety of potential careers 7th and 8th grade

TLC in Middle School/Junior High Increases Awareness and Likely Participation in High School Career and Technical Education (CTE) Keeps students interested and engaged Provides a pipeline of students for the future Helps students identify potential careers Increases participation in clubs and organizations

Forging Students Into Everyday Heroes