Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) is preparing Georgia’s students for their next step after high school- college, beginning a career, registered apprenticeships, or the military. Georgia CTAE pathway course offerings, and the new Educating Georgia’s Future Workforce initiative, leverage partnerships with industry and higher education to ensure students have the skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.

Welcome!

By exploring this website, you have taken the first step in discovering the exciting world of Career Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) within the Meriwether County School District.

CTAE programs and pathways allow students to apply mathematics, science, and communication competencies in laboratory and occupational settings that develop specific technical skills applicable in broad concentration areas. Our CTAE programs aim to engage students in cutting-edge, grade-appropriate career exploration and preparation opportunities that set them up to excel in postsecondary education and productive careers.

As the district’s Career Technical and Agricultural Education Director, my philosophy of education is to assist students to identify their talents and abilities and connect educational opportunities to develop those talents and abilities. Bringing relevance to our students’ high-level academic skills and fostering supportive relationships between our students, their teachers, counselors, and employers is what our CTAE programs are all about.

The future of our young people is bright and I am excited for the opportunity to assist them in reaching their dreams.

Dawn Woodard , CTAE Director

Dawn.Woodard@mcssga.org

MCSS CTAE – PERKINS V – Goals for Improvement

Meriwether County has developed goals to guide our Career Technical Agricultural Programs in an effort to continuously improve and prepare our students for their next step after high school–college, beginning a career, registered apprenticeships, or the military. A Comprehensive Local Needs Assessment was conducted to ensure that we identify areas for growth, meet with our business and industry partners to determine needs, and ensure that we align our pathways to the needs of our community, region, and state.

Goal 1: By the end of the 2023-2024 school year, 80% of MCSS CTAE Pathways will align (HIGH WAGE, HIGH SKILL, IN DEMAND) to the growing needs of our regional and local workforce and provide skill attainment and work-ready credentials.

Goal 2: MCSS CTAE Pathway Programs will obtain a 5% increase in the percentage of participation in CTAE program components (CTSO, WBL, YAP) by the end of the 2021-2022 school year.

Goal 3: By the end of the 2021-2022 school year, the percent of students demonstrating achievement at Level 3 and 4 in the ELA, MATH, and SCIENCE EOC Courses will increase by 3%.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

Meriwether County Schools Career, Technical & Agricultural Education Department (CTAE) offers career and technical education programs designed to prepare youth for a broad range of employment and further education and are offered under the guidance of certified teachers.

Meriwether County CTAE does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex (including pregnancy and related conditions), religion, national origin, age, military status, disability, or any other legally protected status in its educational programs and activities, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups as appropriate. Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. Equity coordinators are available to address allegations of discrimination; equity coordinators’ names and contact information is given below. For more information about CTAE programs, including admissions requirements, contact:

Dawn Woodard – CTAE Director – 2100 Gaston Road – Greenville,GA 30222 – 706-441-0601 –

Dawn.Woodard@mcssga.org

The following Coordinators have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies; note that any discrimination related inquiry may be directed to for distribution to the appropriate personnel. Further information about the complaint process is available at the Board Policy section of the District website.

Meriwether County School’s Career Clusters / Pathways

Career Clusters allow students to choose an area of interest in high school from the 8 clusters listed below. Students take classes tailored to their cluster, which helps them navigate their way to greater success – no matter what they choose to do after high school graduation. Each cluster includes multiple career pathways. The aim of the program is to show students the relevance of what they’re learning in the classroom, whether they want to attend a two-year college, a four-year university or go straight into the world of work. Students will begin to learn about potential careers in elementary and middle school so that they are ready to choose a pathway once they reach high school.

1. Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
2. Architecture and Construction
3. Arts, AV/Technology and Communications
4. Information Technology
5. Marketing
6. Finance
7. Health Science
8. Hospitality and Tourism
9. Education

CTAE Pathways at Greenville High School

HOSPITALITY, RECREATION, AND TOURISM

Instructor: 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

INFORMATION SUPPORT AND SERVICES

Instructor: Brian Kempson

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

CARPENTRY

Instructor:  Michael Durham

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

CTAE Pathways at Manchester High School

THERAPEUTIC SERVICES: PATIENT CARE (Certified Nursing Assistant)

Instructor: Lynn Arndt

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

HEALTH INFORMATICS: HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT / MEDICAL OFFICE

Instructor: Lynn Arndt

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Instructor: De’Audra Copeland

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

AGRICULTURAL MECHANICS AND METAL FABRICATION

Instructor: Dr. Jimmy Black

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Instructor: Zachary Kelley

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

EARLY CHILDCARE EDUCATION II

Instructor:  Melanie Ellington

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PROGRAM OF STUDY

The pre-requisite for this course is advisor approval.

WorkBased Coordinator – 

706.672.4930

Work-Based Learning Programs are structured educational experiences that integrate classroom learning (school-based) with productive, structured work experiences (work-based), related to a student’s career goal. Students have the opportunity to connect what they learn in school with worksite application, enabling a smooth transition into the work force and/or education beyond high school. Work-Based Learning activities culminate in an assessment and recognition of acquired knowledge and skills.

Key Components:

• School-based learning
• Work-based learning
• Connecting activities
• Work-Based Learning
• Provides paid or unpaid work experience
• Promotes a partnership between education and industry
• Integrates academic and technical instruction

Meriwether County CTSO’s

The FFA is an integral component of the agricultural education program. It is the student development and leadership application piece for agricultural education. The FFA offers a variety of experiential learning opportunities through competitive proficiency awards and career development events. Competitions focus on leadership and public speaking; communications, agriscience and biotechnology, as well as production agriculture. Agricultural education teachers and FFA advisors stress problem solving and decision making; and uses a learning by doing method. By applying a science based curriculum learned in a classroom to real life projects, teamwork, and competition; FFA members develop into successful, productive citizens. The strength of the FFA and agricultural education lies in the dedication of the teachers; whose philosophy is, “We don’t just teach agriculture, we teach students!” ​

Georgia Technology Student Association (GA TSA) is committed to providing students with opportunities to excel and advance as part of their instruction in technology education. Georgia TSA promotes technology education as a means of preparing students for a dynamic world, inviting them to become critical thinkers, problem solvers, and technologically literate leaders. The mission of GA TSA is to prepare its members to be successful leaders and responsible citizens in a technological society through co-curricular activities with the technology education program, thereby developing communication, leadership, and competitive skills.

DECA is specifically designed to provide activities for students to learn marketing, management, and entrepreneurial skills that will prepare them to pursue a career in the field of marketing. DECA members become more aware of the value of community service; participate in a local, state, and national competitive events program that showcases student skills and allows for interaction with the business community; further develop occupational skills needed for careers in marketing, management, and entrepreneurship; serve in leadership roles; and develop a greater understanding of our competitive, free-enterprise system and an appreciation of the responsibilities of citizenship.

Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is a student organization for all middle and high school students participating in business programs. As an integral part of the business instructional program, FBLA provides opportunities for students to develop vocational and career-supportive competencies. Participation in FBLA activities promotes civic and personal responsibility; helps students develop business leadership skills and establish career goals; and prepares them for useful citizenship and productive careers.

Serving future health professionals since 1976, HOSA was created with the idea of providing students opportunities to develop as a leader and a future employee. With over 235,000 members across the nation, it is safe to say that HOSA has met our mission! Georgia HOSA created in 2000, now serves over 15,000 members. HOSA creates driven, determined student leaders that are excited about healthcare and all that HOSA has to offer. Above all, HOSA is a tool-a tool vital to the success of students, teachers, and health professionals. HOSA is 100% healthcare and connects all hubs of the healthcare field. One experience ignites another creating a chain reaction between those who teach, learn, and do. The mission of HOSA is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing opportunities for knowledge, skill and leadership development of all health science technology education students, therefore, helping students to meet the needs of the health care community.

District YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP Coordinator – Walter Burgess

Youth Apprenticeship is a structured combination of school-based and work-based learning. Through a coordinated effort involving business and industry, Youth Apprenticeship addresses the dual role of preparing students for the world of work and providing Georgia with a highly skilled, technologically competitive workforce. A student participating in the Youth Apprenticeship Program receives an education that is both academically challenging and relevant to employment in today’s economy. The program enables a student to receive a high school diploma, a post-secondary certificate or degree, and certification of industry-recognized competencies applicable to employment in a high-skilled occupation.

CTAE Resources

GaDOE – CTAE webpage

End of Pathway Assessments

Work-Based Learning – State Manual

CAREER Guide

Computer Science Implementation Plan

Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSO)

Career and Technical Student Organizations are valuable tools for implementing technical and academic standards found in Georgia’s curriculum. CTSOs are co-curricular – not extracurricular. Although related to a particular career, extracurricular activities take place outside of the program of instruction. They are not part of a planned instructional program and are not incorporated into a lesson plan or curriculum. Co-curricular activities are incorporated into the instruction program and receive instructional time within the classroom.

CTSOs are considered a necessary part of the student’s education – not a social outlet. CTSOs provide a structure that promotes hands-on, project-based learning of the program curriculum which allows students to see the real world application of their academic studies. CTSOs emphasize leadership development. The recognition of work experience programs, structured learning experiences, and entrepreneurship projects enhance the standards taught in the classroom and prepare students to be college and career ready. Each element of the diagram is a distinct part of the CTAE division but they are so fully intertwined that they cannot be fully separated if a complete program is to be offered.

CTSO Core Values

• Commitment – To create among members, educators and business and industry an adherence and appreciation for all Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Programs.
• Conviction – To develop patriotism through knowledge of our nation’s heritage and practice of democracy.
• Education – To create enthusiasm and empower students to become lifelong learners.
• Integrity – To deal honestly and fairly with one another.
• Leadership – To develop leadership abilities through participation in educational, professional, community and social activities.
• Professionalism – To promote high standards in career ethics, workmanship, scholarship and safety.
• Recognition – Appreciation of the value of achievement.
• Service – To cultivate a desire to contribute to the benefit and welfare of others
• Teamwork – To enhance the ability of students to plan together, organize and carry out worthy activities and projects through the use of the democratic process.