Career-Technical Education

The Career-Technical Education program in Decatur County Schools is a vital part of the

educational process for our students. Almost every student at Riverside High School will

participate in some area of Career-Technical Education during their high school tenure. Nine

different teachers instruct students in the six Career-Technical Program Areas. A career choice

must be decided by each 8th grade student at Decatur County Middle School before entering high

school. Decatur County Schools follows the career clusters established by the Tennessee

Department of Education, Career-Technical Division.

Career Clusters:

Tennessee’s secondary Career & Technical Education (CTE) Division has adopted the National

Career Clusters model of 16 career clusters and has developed programs of study within these

clusters. Technological advances and global competition have transformed the nature of work.

Tomorrow's jobs will require more knowledge, better skills, and more flexible workers than ever

before. Tomorrow's workers must be prepared to change jobs and careers several times,

continually updating their knowledge and skills. One key approach to this goal is to provide

students with relevant contexts for learning. Career clusters link what students learn in school

with the knowledge and skills they need for success in college and careers. Career clusters

identify programs of study from secondary school to technology centers, community colleges,

four-year colleges, graduate schools, and the workplace, so students can learn in school what

they can do in the future. This connection to future goals motivates students to work harder and

enroll in more rigorous courses.

Career-Technical Program Areas:

Agriculture- Future Farmers of America (FFA)

Business Technology (FBLA-Future Business Leaders of America)

Family & Consumer Sciences (FCCLA-Family Career & Community Leaders of America)

Health Science (HOSA –Health Occupation Students of America)

Trade & Industrial (SKILLS USA)

Career Technical Programs of Study:

Business Management

Veterinary and Animal Science

Social Health Services

Networking Systems

Nursing Services

Machining Technology

Electrical and Plumbing Systems

Environmental and Natural Resources

For more information contact: Dr. Lyndi King, CCTE Supervisor

lyndi.king@decaturschools.org

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