School Contacts

For Applications and Registration

Trenton Middle/High Guidance

Dana Smithers

(352) 463-3210

smithersd@mygcsd.org

Bell Middle/High Guidance

Lynette Langford

(352) 463-3232

langfordl@mygcsd.org

District Office Contact's

Dorota Micale

Dorota Micale

Director of Resource Development

(352) 463-4408 micaled@mygcsd.org

Jana Kight photo

Jana Kight

CTE Specialist
Phone: (352) 463-3250
kightj@mygcsd.org

ADDITIONAL INFO

CTE Programs

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

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Technical Education

CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

Welcome to Gilchrist County School District's Career and Technical Education (CTE) informational page. CTE is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that include opportunities for applied academics, club participation, internships, shadowing, On the Job Training (OJT), articulated college credit, industry certifications, and more! CTE courses can help you meet graduation requirements, because many of our CTE courses count as honors level electives, art credit, equally rigorous science credit, etc. The programs that we offer prepare students to exit high school college and career ready. Students that choose to enroll in college are better prepared for the rigor of that environment, may have earned credit as a part of their CTE program, and are more successful in demanding college classes. Students that choose to go straight into a career field are benefited by experience in the area, nationally recognized certifications in the industry, and an on-average higher pay rate. Students that choose to go into the military are able to enter at two pay grades higher if they have completed our JROTC program. There are many options for students beyond high school, and our CTE programs prepare our young adults for whichever path they take.

Students that participate in CTE courses across Florida have higher average GPA's, are less absent, have fewer disciplinary actions, dropout of school at a rate that is 9 times lower, are more likely to earn a diploma, are far more likely to be eligible for scholarships, and are found to be employed or enrolled in college at a much higher rate.

WHAT IS CTE?

Career and Technical Education is the blending of applied academic and career content. There are many opportunities for application of learning, such as clubs (FBLA, HOSA, FHA, etc), internships, shadowing, on the job training (OJT), an project-based activities. CTE also provides opportunities for postsecondary credit through articulation agreements statewide and with local colleges. Your child may receive college credit for passing an Industry Certification test!

Industry Certifications are credentials that your child can receive may passing a third-party assessment after completion of specific CTE coursework. An Industry Certification demonstrates that your child has met certain industry standards for knowledge and skill in a given area and improves his or her employability. If you child passes an Industry Certification and meet the requirements for a diploma, he or she can earn a MERIT designation.

WHY IS CTE IMPORTANT?

Career and Technical Education programs do so much for your child! Research shows that:

  • More than 70% of CTE concentrators pursue college

  • Involvement in CTE minimizes the risk of students dropping out of school

  • High school students involved in CTE are more engaged, perform better, and graduate at higher rates

  • High school students involved in CTE have less disciplinary referrals

  • High school students involved in CTE are less likely to be involved in bullying

Check out the data below on Career and Professional Education (CAPE) students who earn industry certifications vs. other students:

Performance Indicator

Non-CAPE, No Certification

CAPE + Certification

Average GPA

2.66

2.99

Chronically Absent

18.1%

11.2%

At Least One Disciplinary Action

14.6%

9.4%

Dropout Rate

2.8%

.3%

12th Graders Earning Standard Diploma

67.5%

94.2%

At Least One Accelerated Course

30.6%

43.6%

Bright Futures Eligible Seniors

20.7%

31.7%

Employed or Enrolled in College After Graduation

79.4%


83.9%

RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Some industry certifications are on the statewide list of "Gold Standard" industry certifications, meaning that they will articulate for college credit at any Florida college. Earning college credit by passing an industry certification assessment in high school really saves parents/students money that they would have had to pay in tuition and fees.

NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION FOR CTE

The Gilchrist County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status or genetic information in its educational programs, services or activities, or in its hiring or employment practices. The district also provides equal access to its facilities to the Boy Scouts and other patriotic youth groups, as required by the Boys Scout of America Equal Access Act. Questions, complaints, or requests for additional information regarding discrimination or harassment may be sent to:

Name and/or Title: Linda Gartin, Equity Officer
Office Address: 310 NW 11th Avenue / Trenton, Florida32693
Phone Number (Voice/TDD): (352) 463-3200
E-mail: allend@mygcsd.org

In addition, the Gilchrist County School District offers a variety of career and technical education programs described here, including career academies wherein students may earn industry certification.

The district prohibits discrimination in the terms and conditions of employment, and in access to educational programs and activities, and prohibits harassment of any individual or group on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or genetic information(and other protected classes included in the district’s nondiscrimination policies).

Lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation. The district may assess each student’s ability to benefit from specific programs through placement tests and counseling, and, if necessary, will provide services or referrals to better prepare students for successful participation.