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The Governor's Career and Technical Academy in Arlington




The Governor’s Career and Technical Academy in Arlington promises a unique, jointly administered Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, offering area CTE students an optional five-year high school diploma/two-year college degree program. The Academy will be located within the Arlington Career Center and will open its doors in the fall of 2008 as a part-day program. Students will participate in featured dual enrollment CTE courses and supporting workplace activities, along with continued study at their respective home schools. Over the next several years, an increasing number of CTE and academic subjects will be offered until the Academy also offers full-day programs as a comprehensive school. 

The Academy’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)-infused curriculum will initially feature programs within five pathways: Audio and Video Technology and Film; Engineering and Technology; Facility and Mobile Equipment Maintenance; (Health Science) Support Services; and Information Support and Services. Additional programs in other pathways will be added as the Academy develops, providing broader academic and employment opportunities for more students. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University will provide staff development in Integrative STEM Education, helping the Academy assimilate a cross-disciplinary pedagogy in STEM/CTE education.

Expected student outcomes include improved high school graduation rates and enrollment in postsecondary education, as well as the reduced need for remediation and an increase in college student retention, transfer, and graduation. Relevant preparation for employment will be a hallmark of the Academy. Improvement in these areas will be effected through increasing STEM and CTE academic integration, strengthening the five featured pathways, training staff and raising awareness in STEM education, and improving data collection for continuous program improvement. Students will learn subject matter as appropriate through discovery, analysis, inquiry-based research, and on-the-job experience.

Highlights of the Governor's Career and Technical Academy in Arlington
  • The Governor’s Academy will be a joint secondary/postsecondary institution.
  • Dual enrollment opportunities will exist for grades 11, 12, and beyond.
  • Cross disciplinary pedagogy informed by Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University’s I-STEM Education program will be the major focus of staff development for teachers.
  • The flexible academy model will incorporate several pathways beyond the initial five over time.
  • Student job shadowing and internships will be available across a variety of disciplines.
  • Optional Stretch projects will introduce students to real work-related projects.
  •  Involved business partners will assist in keeping curriculum relevant.
  • Summer college coursework will be available.
  • Students will be better prepared for work and additional higher education opportunities.
source:  Governor's Career and Technical Academy in Arlington Executive Summary, June 19, 2008
Governor's Career and Technical Academy in Arlington Implementation Proposal


Find out more about Governor Kaine's Career and Technical Academies: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=578


Last Modified on 1/14/2009 1:02:41 PM