Career & Technical Education (CTE) in the WCSD is designed to help educators promote student success by making strong connections between learning and life. It is based on the philosophy that a student's achievement will improve when there is internal motivation and relevance. That motivation is likely to increase if there is a strong connection between the classroom and the student's world of reality.

The WCSD intention is for Career and Technical Education to provide information through a variety of career interests and possibilities. It is meant to provide a process for career development that will be useful throughout a lifetime. It is NOT intended for the selection of a specific job choice.

Middle School Level Introduction to Technology - Explore technical careers, skills, teamwork and problem solving Home and Career Skills - Explore future career opportunities, life roles, interpersonal skills.

High School Level 9th and 10th - Level I and II Career and Technical Education classes, job shadowing, career centers 11th and 12th - Advanced Career and Technical Education classes, internships/externships, portfolios

Post-secondary Level Tech Prep - Many advanced Career and Technical Education classes are articulated with local community colleges providing the opportunity to earn college credit toward an associate degree while still in high school.

Programs at the Academy of Arts, Careers and Technology are the capstone courses of the Career and Technical Education classes offered at the home high schools. The courses offered are designed to give hands-on training to provide internship experiences, present opportunities to network in particular career fields and provide a very realistic experience of the career the student is considering.

Many of the classes are articulated with local community colleges providing the opportunity to earn college credit without paying tuition. Representatives from various trade and technical schools visit classes to recruit students.

Apprenticeships are also available in various trades. Please review the Career and Technical Education courses offered at your home high school.