Board reviews CTAE Plus, academic career pathway and proposal to allow construction geometry credit

Barrow County Schools staff presented three linked career-and-technical initiatives to the Board on Sept. 30: CTAE Plus, the academic career pathway, and a proposal to allow completion of the carpentry pathway to satisfy the district geometry credit (branded as construction geometry).

CTAE Plus: Staff explained the statewide CTAE Plus initiative that allows a student who completes a qualifying CTE pathway (typically three courses in a pathway such as engineering or audiovisual) to earn a math, science or English language arts credit that can be applied as a fourth credit for admission to a technical college. Presenters noted the CTAE Plus credits are valid for technical-college admission but do not substitute for University System of Georgia admission requirements.

Academic career pathway: Staff described a new state-recommended academic career pathway that pairs academic courses (for example, an English credit such as journalism) with related CTE coursework (e.g., audiovisual) so a student can be designated as an academic career pathway completer. Staff said the pathway aligns with the state high-demand career list and is intended to bridge academic and workforce preparation.

Construction geometry: The district proposed that successful completion of the carpentry pathway (three listed courses) be treated as the required geometry unit of credit for students pursuing technical-college admission. Staff emphasized that, similar to CTAE Plus, the construction-geometry equivalency is intended for technical-college pathways and would not replace geometry requirements for students seeking University System admission.

Staff recommended revising policy IHF-6 (graduation requirements) to add the academic career pathway and update course namings and standards alignment, and to place the revisions on the table for public review. Board members asked clarifying questions about naming conventions and effective dates; staff said the policy title includes the long-form label "entering fall 2008 and 2009 and thereafter."