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Public schools in New Jersey play a critical role in preparing students not only for higher education but also for careers and everyday life. The New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) has placed a strong emphasis on integrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) to equip students with the skills needed for the workforce and for life beyond school. CTE education aims to provide hands-on, practical experience, preparing students for high-demand careers and helping them develop essential life skills. Below, we explore the key areas of CTE education in New Jersey’s public schools and how it contributes to career readiness.
What is CTE?
Career and Technical Education (CTE) is an educational pathway that combines academic knowledge with technical skills to prepare students for specific career fields. CTE programs are designed to engage students in learning experiences that are relevant to their future careers and provide them with real-world skills. The NJDOE has established CTE standards to ensure students in New Jersey receive high-quality education that aligns with industry needs and fosters career readiness.
Garfield High School and CTE
Over the years, Garfield High School (GHS) has offered students a range of courses to explore career pathways and gain insight into diverse professions. In the past, GHS provided courses in areas such as culinary arts, sewing, small engine repair, printing, drafting, woodworking, stenography, typing, and other business-oriented subjects. However, as technology advanced, many of these courses were phased out or transitioned to Bergen Tech, largely due to cost constraints associated with maintaining and updating the necessary equipment.
Today, GHS still offers courses in construction, technical drawing, and television production, but these are not being taught to their fullest potential. Both construction and technical drawing, for example, could be expanded to align fully with Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards. Additionally, the GTV television production lab lacks the equipment needed to operate as a comprehensive studio, limiting students' exposure to the full spectrum of television production roles and skills. The EMT program, which provided students with an introduction to healthcare careers, was also discontinued due to sustainability issues. Basic life skills courses, such as cooking, sewing, and financial literacy, have similarly disappeared over time.
To best serve students, CTE courses should be accessible to all. Reintroducing and expanding career-focused and life-skills courses would significantly enhance student development and better prepare them for life beyond high school. Immediate attention should be given to expanding the construction and technical drawing courses, and reinstating the EMT program would provide a valuable foundation for students interested in healthcare careers. This program was previously offered in the early morning before regular school hours, allowing students an opportunity to pursue healthcare training that could benefit both them and the community. Given the school's connection to Hackensack University Medical Center, there may be potential for a partnership to support this program.
Additionally, enhancing communication within the district remains a priority, and a revitalized television production program could play a central role in this. The full program would include the following courses: Television Production, Editing, and Broadcast Journalism to be taught by a CTE certified teacher. By investing in updated studio equipment, the school could reestablish community broadcasts, keeping students, parents, and residents informed about events within the schools and surrounding community. Qualified, certified teachers are essential to meet the instructional and certification standards of these career and technical education courses. Bringing more of these programs back to GHS would not only benefit students but also help them more easily meet graduation requirements.
CTE is included in the NJ State Performance Report:
CTE Key Areas of Focus in New Jersey
The focus on CTE in New Jersey public schools goes beyond traditional academic subjects. It focuses on the following:
Career Exploration and Development
From as early as middle school, New Jersey public schools encourage career exploration. CTE programs introduce students to various industries, allowing them to explore potential career paths that align with their interests and strengths. Students can enroll in introductory courses that provide a glimpse into fields such as health sciences, business, information technology, engineering, and more.
Career exploration is supported by partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders, offering students opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and mentorship.
Technical Skills Training
Career Readiness Standards
Integration with Core Academics
Industry Certifications with College Credits
Work-Based Learning (WBL)
CTE Endorsements in New Jersey
Teachers MUST be certified in the following categories for these areas to be properly accredited.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
Focus: Food production, agricultural science, environmental conservation, and natural resources.
Skills Taught: Sustainability practices, food safety, animal and plant biology, soil science, environmental stewardship.
Importance: Equips students with knowledge in food production and conservation, preparing them for careers in agriculture, horticulture, and environmental science.
Architecture and Construction
Arts, A/V Technology, and Communications
Business and Marketing
Health Sciences
Information Technology (IT)
Hospitality and Tourism
Human Services
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
Manufacturing
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Transportation, Distribution, & Logistics
NJDOE 21st Century Life and Careers Content Standards for CTE
The New Jersey Department of Education's (NJDOE) 21st Century Life and Careers Content Standards for Career and Technical Education (CTE) focus on preparing students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing workforce. These standards emphasize career readiness, life skills, and the development of competencies that go beyond traditional academics. They integrate core concepts like critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity, preparing students for both college and career pathways. The CTE standards are designed to be adaptable, enabling students to gain practical experience through hands-on learning, internships, and partnerships with industry professionals. By focusing on real-world applications, the standards aim to equip students with not only technical expertise but also the adaptability and problem-solving skills required for success in the 21st-century job market.
The Role of Highly Skilled Educators
The role of highly skilled educators in Career and Technical Education (CTE) is pivotal to the success of CTE programs. These educators are not just teachers but industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
Some examples include:
A health sciences instructor with a background in nursing can provide deeper insights into clinical procedures, patient care, and medical ethics, enriching students' understanding of healthcare careers.
An IT teacher with industry certifications in cybersecurity can better prepare students for similar certifications, increasing their job readiness. They can train students in network defense, equipping them with skills to pass certifications like CompTIA Security+.
Business and marketing educators who have managed their own businesses can guide students through market research, financial planning, and effective communication strategies. They can also guide students through the nuances of entrepreneurship and marketing.
In the arts, AV technology, and communication fields, a teacher with a knowledge in media production or graphic design can lead students through video editing, visual storytelling, and software skills like Adobe Creative Suite.
Those in skilled trades and technical services who have background in construction or automotive technology can teach students about safety protocols, technical skills, and project management.
Educators in beauty and cosmetology with professional salon experience can instruct students on the latest techniques in hairstyling, makeup, and client care.
Having skilled educators ensures that the training students receive is relevant, up-to-date, and grounded in the real-world demands of their chosen fields. Additionally, teachers who are passionate about their areas of expertise can inspire students to pursue careers with confidence and clarity. They help bridge the gap between school and industry, making a lasting impact on students’ career readiness.
The Impact of CTE on Students' Futures
The goal of CTE in New Jersey public schools is not only to prepare students for specific careers but also to equip them with the tools they need for lifelong learning and personal development. Students who engage in CTE programs tend to have higher graduation rates, are more likely to pursue post-secondary education, and often secure higher-paying jobs compared to their peers who do not participate in CTE.
By providing pathways to both college and career, New Jersey’s CTE programs cater to a diverse student population with varied aspirations. This comprehensive approach helps to ensure that every student, regardless of background or academic ability, has access to opportunities that align with their interests and future goals.
Conclusion
Career and Technical Education in New Jersey’s public schools plays a pivotal role in preparing students for the future. It is a robust and dynamic pathway to career readiness and life skills development. By combining academic knowledge with technical skills, CTE programs provide a well-rounded education that aligns with the needs of the modern workforce. The NJDOE’s emphasis on CTE standards is helping to create a future-ready workforce, equipped with the technical, academic, and interpersonal skills needed to thrive in a competitive global economy.
The emphasis on career readiness, life skills, and industry-aligned training ensures that students graduate as competent, capable, and adaptable individuals. Whether students aim for immediate employment, technical training, or higher education, New Jersey’s CTE programs offer them the foundation they need for success. The value of highly skilled educators in this process cannot be understated—they are the backbone of successful CTE programs, connecting classroom learning with industry expertise.
CTE is not just a program; it’s a pathway to opportunity, personal growth, and community development. New Jersey’s commitment to these standards ensures that students are prepared not only to enter the job market but to thrive in it.
Resources
New Jersey Department of Education: Career Readiness New Jersey Department of Education: Career Readiness, Life Literacies and & Key Skills