The Bridge; Fall 2018 Bridge Fall 2018 Single Pages | Page 13

Career & Technical Education Expands Middle schoolers take part in State pilot we do is with young people. And part of our charge is helping stu- dents discover their passion. And when it comes to hands-on learn- ing, we are better positioned than ever thanks to a $30,000 federal Perkins grant received by the Bid- deford Regional Center of Tech- nology (BRCOT). The grant will help us systematize a pilot offering real-world opportunities and hands- on experiential learning for middle school students in Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach. “No longer will a student need to wait until grade 11 to experience learning that truly engages them,” said Assistant Superintendent Chris Indorf. “The Center of Tech- nology and Middle School have been vertically aligning curriculum grades 6-10 for the last year to en- sure students have a clear progres- sion of learning. We see the value in embedding career and technical concepts and opportunities earlier in the education cycle for students. For a kid who just doesn’t connect with history or science, we’ve es- sentially said to them, ‘just wait until you’re a junior. Then you can do something you love.’ That’s too late. We need to connect kids with their passion earlier.” At the three partnering middle schools - Biddeford Middle, Saco Middle, and Loranger Middle - ca- reer exploration - career explo- ration will be integrated into the programming. Beginning in 6th grade, students will start to build a Career Connection Portfolio--a living, shareable portfolio to iden- tify their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Their portfolio will continue to be built upon in the 7th and 8th grade with increased research, investigation, and career and technical education experienc- es through job shadows and men- when choosing courses for specif- ic pathways, graduation require- ments, and specializations as they create a roadmap for their future.” In addition to their portfolio work, middle schoolers will have sched- uled visits to the BRCOT for vari- ous projects and presentations of interest and BRCOT will travel to Biddeford Regional Center of Technology programs include:       Auto Body Technology Automotive Technology Business and Financial Management Electrical Technology Engineering and Architectural Design Health Assistant and Medical Assisting toring. The Career Development exercises will help students dis- cover the pathway that’s right for them--whether it involves a trade, college, university, entrepreneur- ship, or other training. “Making decisions about the fu- ture is hard,” said BRCOT Exec- utive Director Paulette Bonneau. “By creating career and technical experiences for middle schoolers, students can discover that there are many opportunities to be suc- cessful, earn a livable wage and contribute to society. Our goal is to simplify the process through a series of investigative activities to build a 4-year plan that aligns high school courses and post-second- ary goals so they are well informed        Information Technology Legal Studies Manufacturing Technology Plumbing/Heating Residential Construction Teaching and Early Education Welding the regional middle schools to in- tegrate industry standards within their current curriculum. Current Center of Technology students will also be involved in the mid- dle school projects as mentors and positive role models. “This is a win-win as it also provides the older students an opportunity to exercise their public speaking and customer service skills as well as demonstrate what they know and make a positive contribution as a role model,” said Bonneau. Biddeford Middle School student Brianna Haskell is excited to be part of the Center of Technology. “My favorite activity was changing a tire because I’m really into me- chanics.”