.png){kind=small}
Introduced June 14, 2011
AMENDING §4114.1 AND ADDING A NEW SUB-ITEM (A) TO §4114.1 OF TITLE 17 GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, CHAPTER 4, THE “COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS” (CCARE) ACT, RELATIVE TO INTEGRATING ACADEMIC CURRICULUM AND CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION INTO THE GUAM DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION’S BASIC CURRICULA.
Sam introduced Bill 239-an Act relative to integrating academic curriculum and career technical education into the Guam Department of Education’s basic curricula.
As an educator, Sam was aware that Guam’s Department of Education had, for years, enforced separate paths for career readiness and college preparedness. Now, the Department of Education must plan for the integration of academic curriculum for both college bound students as well as students that will step directly into the work place.
As she pointed out, the Guam Department of Education is tasked to implement programs that shall teach and develop competency levels at the various skills, both current and projected, to meet the demands of Guam’s social and economic growth.
Upon further investigation, Sam points out that the 2008 Guam Department of Education’s Action Plan established the direction and details for improving academic performance in reading, math, and language arts, by using the provisions of the “No Child Left Behind Act” as a framework. The “Curricular Reform, Rigor, and Relevance” section of the 2008 Guam Department of Education’s District Action Plan outlines efforts that “will emphasize both academic courses and modern career and technical studies to prepare students for a broad career field and higher education”.
The goals of the Guam Department of Education Curricular Reform, Rigor, and Relevance are: 1. To increase the mathematics, science, communication, problem solving and technical achievement and the application; 2. To blend the essential content of traditional college preparatory studies—mathematics, science and language arts—with quality vocational and technical studies, by creating conditions that support school leaders and teachers in carrying out the key practices; and 3. To advance state and local policies and leadership initiatives necessary to sustain a continuous school improvement effort.
As Sam proposed this Bill, which was signed into law by the governor, she found that the Guam Department of Education has Career and Technical Education programs in the high schools that provide courses and work-based learning experiences. Proper integration of academic subjects and Career and Technical Education will provide the skills and knowledge to prepare all students for real world experiences, post-secondary education and careers. Research reflects positive impact to student performance, satisfaction and graduation rates. Career and Technical Education begins with the exploration of career options, supports basic academic and life skills, and enables achievement of high academic standards, leadership, preparation for industry defined work, and advanced and continuing education.
Comments