MISSION: The mission of the CTE Department of Arlington School District, a vital component of successful graduation completion, is to offer innovative, relevant courses and leadership opportunities which are developed through the support of advisory committees, the community, business, and administration that will help students become self-sufficient, productive members of an ever-changing global society, and to learn and apply life and employability skills to help them make a positive contribution to society.

GOALS:
I. Increase communication and promotion of CTE's success
II. Engage community
III. Outline pathways for student's success

• CTE programs are academically and technically rigorous.
• For today's workforce to become economically self-sufficient there is a common body of knowledge that is necessary.  These programs include:
  - An exploration of educational and career opportunities within the career clusters
  - Foundation skills required across the board in all occupations
  ----> Academic skills and concepts learned through an applied approach
  ----> Leadership skills learned through Career & Technical Student Organizations
  ----> Employability skills learned through classroom and real world experiences
• Training in high levels of technical skills
• Skills requred to manage the multiple roles of family, career and community, and to make successful transitions to further education and training in the world of work
• Opportunities for the student to apply learning in realistic life situations

High quality programs result from high standards that are achieved when:

• There is a rigorous, integrated curriculum
• Curriculum and assessment are aligned with academic and technical standards
• The community is used for learning
• Equipment in the classroom keeps pace with rapid technological changes in the work world
• They are taught by highly-qualified teachers who come from a variety of pathways with experience in the occupations they teach and a high level of content knowledge
• Professional development is linked to academic and technical content knowledge, experience in the work place, and proven teaching strategies
• Program standards are followed, enforced and kept current
• Partnerships exist with business, industry and post secondary units to create meaningful roles for the participants and support the operations of successful programs

1. Every career and technical education student receives an education that prepares them for future educational and career success.
2. The result of a CTE program should be technical skills certification and/or the successful entry of the student into further education, education AND work or work alone.
3. Successful employment in an occupation related to the student's CTE program is desirable, but the core knowledge and skills learned must carry across the board.
4. Students who complete an articulated program have a seemless transition to post secondary education.
5. The success of CTE programs is evident through collection of data.
6. Students are capable of balancing family and career, creating and enjoying a personally satisfying lifestyle, and being a contributing member of society.