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.”