In our last blog post, we discussed the basics of CTE, or Career and Technical Education. In this post, we will explore the first CTE program offered by Market Square Education, which is the Family and Community Services pathway.
Students following a Family and Community Services pathway will gain experiences and skills that they can use in careers such as counseling, teaching, academic research, and social work. The classes in this pathway are “Life Skills: Navigating Adulthood,” “Personal Psychology,” “Sociology II,” and “Human and Social Service Careers.” None of these classes have prerequisites, and many students already take one or more electives. Therefore, it is easy to add the rest and complete a graduation pathway that also prepares students for a future career.
“Navigating Adulthood” is a class I recommend to everyone. It includes units on written and oral communication, scheduling and goal-setting, leadership, and financial management. “Personal Psychology” includes both the basics of human development and the personal applications of that knowledge. Students will learn about the brain and neurological system, theories of learning, stages of human growth, experimental design, and more. “Sociology II” includes the basics of Sociology I, so students will not be lost if they only take this class. In it, students will learn how the cultural, economic, governmental, and family organizations of society interact. Finally, in “Human and Social Services,” students explore a variety of careers related to that sector. They will research local issues, models of service, demographics, mental and physical health, professional ethics, and legal studies. They will also practice job interviews and resume writing.
Each of these courses includes discussion, presentations, and civic/community connections. Digital citizenship and current events are built in. Students are encouraged to get to know themselves and their needs and to explore how their strengths can help them meet their goals in life. After completing this CTE pathway, students will have the foundational knowledge and skills to pursue a career serving individuals, families, and communities.