Career in Technology Education
by Lorine Parks
“Great students can be made, not born.” That is Phil Davis’s mission, as Director of the CTE program for the Downey Unified School District: “Career in Technology Education.” “To instill work force skills for all and to prepare middle and high school students to be competitive globally in the future marketplace,” is this goal of the program.
Downey’s STEAM Team represents Science, Technology, the Arts, Engineering and Math, as areas of concentration. In Engineering, for example, fields include sports medicine biomedical training, and computer science.
Other appealing topics are Culinary Arts, Law Office Practices, Advanced Manufacturing and Construction. There are great incentives to enter these fields, taught now in grades 7-12. Such subjects used to be taught under an ROP brand: Regional Occupational Programs. Now they are part of the standard DUSD curriculum.
The Middle School level is considered the gateway level, where subjects such as architecture are now introduced. From kindergarten in the thirteen elementary schools, till graduation, the plan is to energize the whole child.
To excel in 21st century learning, the universal skills are still communication, thinking critically and perseverance. Students think it is “cool” to learn.
The challenge to the community, such as Downey Rotary, is to offer opportunities in mentoring, internships, and scholarships. Advice and hands-on relationships help the most. “I’m excited about the city-wide partnership,” Phil said. “We’re headed in the right direction.”
On Thursday March 3, there will be a Student Showcase, held at the Columbia Space Center. This is a chance for employers, students and city leaders to connect, so come if you can. There will be hors d’oeuvres, and addresses by Alex Saab, Mayor of Downey and our own Dr. John Garcia. If you’re interested in seeing an example of city-wide partnerships in action, Rsvp to Carmen@itepinc.org.