Friday's Blog Rmorgan

WV TSA

Kathy Gillman had some really good points about using the TSA program in middle schools as a preparatory for Skills-USA and for deciding a career in a technical school. Was also nice to know that you had pre-approved CSO materials for all grades K through 12 which made this a wide reaching program of study and something you can reach kids that may not be aware of what Career and Technical centers offer. It would be a great recruitment tool for low population centers if teachers and administrators would allow time for instructors to mentor middle school candidates in the TSA programs. Would also be a great tool for cooperative learning between academic and tech centers with ready made curriculum's.



WV SkillsUSA Updates

Cobey and Rick presented last years numbers for medals won, national attendance, and new information about where Skills-USA will be held in a couple of years. Its nice to know that the organization has grown so large that they are going to be using a new facility in Louisville Ky. to accommodate the massive growth. The most productive part of the session was finding out what improvements over last years competition to make it run smoother with less confusion. Some of the new features will fix several problems like people leaving early, integration of non contestants and the public, and they are putting in an immediate grievance system to correct any perceived discrepancies in judging or procedures. Overall it was a very productive session and was pleased it didn't turn into a gripe fest.


My overview of the conference.

After teaching for 10 years this is my first conference and I feel now that I should have been coming to these some time ago. I have learned alot about how the system works and what goes on at the state level and with the new faces in upper seats of power this will be the year for Career Tech. Ed. in West Virginia. I hope we dont try to get a million items incorporated in the first year but prioritize them from most important (ie. curriculum, testing, monies). I didnt agree with a few comments of Curt Bunting on how much time needs to be spent on coordinating between teachers mainly because his inclusive school setting that he presides over is very different than our stand alone facility. Other than that my thoughts on what I saw and heard are very positive towards this school year.