Highland students earn Microsoft certifications Highland students earn one third of the state ’ s Microsoft certifications
If you want to hire a Microsoft Office expert , check with the Highland School of Technology . the ‘ sticktoitiveness ’ to get that so I can learn anything . Software is just important in today ’ s time and business .”
Of the 316 students in North Carolina who earned Microsoft Office Master certifications in the 2015-2016 school year , 101 of them came from Highland .
These numbers are the result of the school ’ s focus on career development as well as the dedication of three teachers who make it their goal to prepare as many students as possible to earn the certifications .
“ This is an international credential ,” said teacher Carol McMahan . “ This is the same that a business person would take , so it looks great on the students ’ transcripts and on their resumes .”
Rachel Martin , coordinator for Highland ’ s Business , Legal and Information Science Academy , explained that many professionals take these tests .
“ You could go to ITT Tech or ECPI for the testing ,” she said . “ They are intended to show you have the skill set to use these programs . We ’ re talking about 14-year-olds passing these tests .”
Teachers ( from left ) Carol McMahan , Dove Long , and Jennifer Gallagher teach the Microsoft Office courses at Highland School of Technology . Three of their students qualified to compete in Microsoft Office Expert competitions at the 2016 FBLA National Conference : Elliott Stines , Zoe Hatsios , and Evan Null . Stines earned second place in the nation in Microsoft Office Specialist - Word Expert .
level as possible .
All high schools in Gaston County offer Microsoft Office courses , and many high schools across North Carolina offer them as part of their Career and Technical Education curriculum . But Highland is unique because every freshman starts their career with a set of two classes : Word and PowerPoint , then Excel and Access .
Students can then opt to take an exam . They can qualify as a Specialist or Expert in Word and Excel . If they earn two of these certifications and also pass a PowerPoint or Access exam , they receive the Master certification .
The “ Expert ” level is for those who know and can use every function of the software , “ things the general public probably wouldn ’ t understand ,” McMahan explained .
“ It is a tough test ,” she added . But along with colleagues Dove Long and Jennifer Gallagher , she makes it her goal to have as many students hit the Expert
McMahan said the purpose of the program isn ’ t to learn a specific program as much as it is to gain expertise in learning and using new software .
“ What ( the testing ) shows is that students can learn software and can perform well in it ,” she said . “ A business wouldn ’ t be as concerned that they ’ re certified in a specific software as that they can master one . It ’ s like having a diploma -- the fact you have a four-year degree says I have
Martin explained : “ They want all of them to hit that Master certification -- they really work hard with these students to earn those .”
And their work is paying off . Not only did they earn a third of the Master certifications in the entire state last school year , they also had three students qualify for the national competition at the FBLA ( Future Business Leaders of America ) conference this year . Elliott Stines earned second place in the nation , along with $ 600 , in Microsoft Office Specialist - Word Expert .
Like Us
Medicaid , Health Choice , TRICARE , Blue Cross Blue Shield
Parent Teacher Magazine • January / February • 5