Prior to beginning the self-study for the CTE program of study, it would be helpful to review NYSED information and view the brief video on the Self-Study Process.

Conducting a self-study is the most important series of events and may be the most time-consuming in the process of implementing and improving a CTE program. According to the Implementation Guide to CTE Programs , “Its purpose is to bring together partners to review the CTE program, propose relevant modifications, and evaluate the degree to which the program meets the policy requirements approved by the Board of Regents on February 6, 2001.”

But its importance extends far beyond the regulation. It is a means to improve student access to recognized high-quality CTE programming, thus providing students the opportunity to develop their skills and pursue success in their chosen career pathway.

Most schools gather evidence for each component of an approved program in a binder and/or an electronic folder. During this process, each element is reviewed to determine how to improve its impact on student learning and success. Improvements that have been recommended will be considered by the external review.

Components of a Self-Study

Review each of the following components to determine possible ways to improve the program.

  • Regional and statewide labor market data to ensure opportunities for students to gain immediate employment or employment after continuing in a post-secondary program
  • The curriculum has appropriate rigor that increases in specificity and aligns to industry and NYS learning standards
  • Availability of work-based learning opportunities for all students, processes to ensure that they meet NYS Department of Labor requirements, and a process in place to track and evaluate each student’s experiences
  • An employability profile that is used to monitor and assess students’ professional and technical skill attainment as they proceed through the program
  • A 3-part technical assessment (written, performance, and project) that aligns with the expected outcomes of the program and is accessible to all students
  • Agreements for dual and/or articulated credit with at least one post-secondary institution which provides opportunities for students to earn college credit in high school and introduces them to further pursuit of their career pathway
  • Well-prepared, supported, and certified teachers
  • Student outcome data and procedures for collecting and reviewing its use in working with stakeholders to improve the program.

 

Tips for Success - Self-Study

  • Involvement in this process builds networks of support for the program. Include as many stakeholders as possible who represent diversity in demographics and roles related to the program:
    • program teachers
    • industry representatives (program advisory committee)
    • post-secondary representatives
    • students or graduates
    • special education teachers
    • school counselors
  • Use the Approved CTE Program Workbook described above to help you think about and organize all aspects of program development, approval, and re-approval.
  • For initial and re-approval processes, be sure to engage industry partners early and ask them to list both technical and professional skills they will be looking for when they hire completers of the program.
  • Maintain an approved program by collecting data about it and running it faithfully:
    • Provide quality instruction aligned to standards
    • Teach industry and academic knowledge and skills
    • Offer the courses that are required in the approved program so that students have the opportunity to complete all necessary coursework
    • Provide work-based learning (WBL) and feedback to students on their employability skills
    • Update the employability profile regularly with the advice of industry partners, and utilize the profile with students to monitor their growth throughout the program
    • Provide all students the opportunity to pass the technical assessment and earn the diploma endorsement
    • Meet with industry advisors at least annually
    • Submit an amendment form if changes are made to any component of the approved program prior to re-approval.
  • Maintain and update curriculum regularly using an electronic system if possible, so it will be ready to review closely at re-approval time.

 Resources – Self-Study

approval timeline

reapproval timeline