Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center: Keeping it Simple but Effective, Incorporating Literacy and Numeracy into the CTE Classroom

Posted on Categories Academic/Technical Skill Integration, Curriculum Planning, Math T Charts, Professional Development

At a Glance

At Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center (SCCTC), instructors integrate CTE and academic content to help students learn and develop trade-specific literacy and numeracy skills and help them understand the connection between academic coursework and the CTE curriculum.

Description

Several SCCTC instructors attended SREB- and TAP-related professional development to learn CTE/academic integration strategies. Following this, they shared what they learned with their colleagues so that all teachers can implement integration and research-based lessons. To promote ongoing integration, teachers attend a weekly in-service during which they discuss the literacy and numeracy strategies used in each classroom. In addition, the SREB Math-in-CTE Coach attends the in-services to provide ideas on how to incorporate math into daily instruction.

Due to this ongoing professional development and peer-to-peer learning, SCCTC instructors are beginning to implement instructional strategies that integrate literacy and numeracy skills, promote hands-on learning and highlight the real-world application of the content being taught. For example, in January 2018 the cosmetology instructor began using the station rotation teaching model to better integrate literacy and numeracy strategies into her theory instruction. This instructional model focuses on students rotating through a series of learning stations, each of which includes a specific task for students to complete. In cosmetology, the six stations included the following assignments:

  1. Write a journal entry. Use the word of the day in a sentence and provide alternate meanings if applicable.
  2. Fill out a graphic organizer related to the theory lesson.
  3. Finish a math- or literacy-related challenge at a game station.
  4. Summarize the task of the week on a summary sheet.
  5. Practice one aspect of the practical task at a task station.
  6. Conduct assigned computer research.

All SCCTC instructors use the station rotation model. For those who wish to replicate the model, Executive Director Dr. Alice Davis recommends they:

  • Keep a consistent routine of when and how the routine is followed.
  • Use a tracking system or sign off sheet to hold students accountable for completing the assignment at each station.
  • Take the time to discuss and explain each station and solicit student feedback and questions.
  • Rotate throughout the classroom to make sure students are participating and to modify the assignments as needed.

At the start of the 2017-2018 school year, the instructors began using several academic/CTE integration strategies. Some of the strategies and tools implemented include T-charts, reading graphic organizers, word walls and project-based learning.

For examples and further explanation of the integration strategies SCCTC instructors use, see the attached documents.

Impact

The cosmetology instructor reports that the station rotation model supports student achievement and helps with time management. Students begin working as soon as they enter class rather than waiting for other students to arrive. She notes that students are more

accountable for their work and seem more comfortable asking for help because of the small group settings. In addition, the station rotation model allows her to differentiate instruction and assignments to meet the various learning needs of students. Due to the station structure, students also learn teamwork and collaboration skills.

Downloads:

Contact

Susquehanna County Career & Technology Center
http://www.scctc-school.org/

Dr. Alice M. Davis, Executive Director
alice.davis@scctc-school.org