Photo by Ashley Rivas Lara, Cypress Park HSEducation
CFISD CTE programs prepare students for real world
By Promise Edwards, Cypress Park HS, CFISD Journalism Network collaboration
CFISD provides a large range of Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that equip students with essential skills and industry-recognized certifications, giving students opportunities and a head start for their future careers.
The district has approximately 500 CTE teachers who serve more than 40,000 high school and middle school students. CFISD offers a diverse range of CTE courses across various categories, including business and industry, public services and STEM. Students have access to numerous industry certification opportunities, with training and preparation provided at little to no cost.
“I’m CTE certified in Microsoft Office Specialist,” said Cypress Park High School senior Joel Baires-Canales. “I had to take three exams and score at least a 700 on Word Expert, Excel and PowerPoint. I plan on using the certificate to enter the business field in the future.”
Some popular programs among students include culinary, cosmetology, business, marketing and finance. The courses provide content and instruction that, outside of certifications, help students prepare for life after high school.
“Most of our assignments and activities are real-world based,” said Veronica Diaz, Cypress Park teacher who oversees several computer science courses. “In Computer Science III, students work on programs individually but also collaborate with peers. This mirrors the teamwork they will encounter in the workplace.”
In a 2019 report from the American Institutes for Research, approximately 85% of high school graduates earned at least one credit in a CTE course. The report also found that students who take CTE courses are most likely to enroll in a two-year college and are also more likely to be employed after high school. CFISD also offers CTE courses in middle school.
“CTE in CFISD provides opportunities for students to gain industry-based certifications and skills that will prepare them for their post-secondary path,” said Ashley Davis, CTE coordinator. “Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is unique in that we offer all programs of study at all 12 high schools, we well as entry-level courses at all middle schools. Our students are on The Path to Amazing!”
Visit the CFISD website for more information about CTE courses.
Source: CFISD
