Perception of CTE a problem

SANDPOINT — Several speakers from the state office of career and technical education and North Idaho College paid a visit to Sandpoint High School on Sept. 28.

CTE State Administrator Dwight Johnson was one of the representatives who toured North Idaho's CTE programs. During his visit to SHS, Johnson addressed issues of the perception of CTE, funding, aligning CTE with industry needs, post-secondary alignment, the CTE instructor shortage and future outlook of the program in Idaho.

One of the biggest issues the CTE programs face is a perception problem. Some parents, even some educators, see the programs as a last resort for students who struggle academically rather than a deliberate destination for those seeking high-tech, high-skill careers. CTE can be the shortest disctance between the classroom and a high-paying, rewarding career, Johnson said.

"I love showcasing the amazing CTE opportunities we offer the students," said Alex Gray, CTE coordinator for the Lake Pend Oreille School District. "We have some amazing instructors and students. It's always exciting to see what's happening in the CTE classes.

SHS offers nine CTE programs: culinary, health occupations, computer aided design, business, journalism/multimedia, information systems, welding, natural resources management and individual occupational training.