Industrial Arts teachers in Chinook’s Edge are working together to strengthen the experience of students in their classes. Ten teachers, including eight from high school and two from middle schools, gathered in Olds on a recent Professional Learning Day, to begin the process of aligning all of the learning modules they offer to students in their shop programming.
“The benefit of the alignment is that students across the division are focused on the same preparatory experiences,” says Brianne Fletcher, Career Connections Coordinator. “This consistency is aiming for industry and career readiness in our curriculum delivery, with our priority of helping students make career connections. Alignment will be especially valuable for students who want to explore dual credit experiences, because they will head into those more advanced classes with a consistent set of skills, and an increased likelihood of success.”
“We have exceptional Career and Technology Studies (CTS) teachers in the school division who offer quality learning experiences in their schools; these experiences allow students to explore career possibilities and gain valuable skills,” says Fletcher. “We are grateful for their collaborative efforts and commitment to student success in Chinook’s Edge.”
Jerod Ferguson, who teaches CTS classes at Innisfail High School, says, “This process better prepares all teachers for class instruction and is especially helpful to new teachers to build programming to meet the goals of Chinook’s Edge School Division.”
The shop teachers worked on curriculum alignment in the morning for welding, construction and mechanics. In the afternoon they worked with an Olds College journeyperson instructor, Nick Fetterly, to train further in techniques that they can share with students.
“It was an excellent day of teacher learning that directly impacts our students,” says Fletcher.
Story Submitted by: Laurette Woodward, Communications Coordinator. Chinook's Edge School Division
Comments