EAG Meeting 12/04/2006

Co-Chair Dick Shaink called the meeting to order at 8:10 a.m.

I. Introductions

All in attendance introduced themselves and their organization. A special thanks to Baker College of Owosso for the use of their Board Room.

II. Economic Development Update

Brian Pyles stated that Renita Mikolajczyk was unable to attend this morning and her presentation was tabled.

Gary Tower informed the group that there are over 30,000 tenth grade students in the state enrolled in Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. The new increased graduation requirements may reduce student access to CTE programs in our region and statewide. The CTE leaders are developing English/ Language Arts (ELA) units and how to embed into selected CTE programs. The Michigan Department of Education and Office of Career and Technical Preparation are working on new guidelines for awarding academic credit in CTE programs.

III. Letters of Intent/New CTE Programs

Gary Tower stated that the statewide program approval process is more complex than it has been in the past; however, local districts are planning to add new programs.

High School Reform

Discussion regarding the new high school graduation requirements and teacher certification was held. Currently, if you are not certified in the course you are teaching, you are not highly qualified to teach the course under No Child Left Behind legislation. The State is working on various models to offer academic credit through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. There was much discussion regarding college articulation and direct credit. According to Dick Shaink, the model for community college teachers is a minimum of a master degree in the area they teach and are an employee of the community college. Gary Tower and Brian Pyles will bring more information on offering academic credit though CTE programs once it is available from the State. John Hagel feels that with Brian and Gary on the State Committee, our region’s needs are represented.

IV. Career Planning/EDP Updates

Donna Burmeister, Genesee ISD
Donna reported that Genesee ISD has recently hosted four workshops for teachers and staff in Genesee County. Core curriculum teachers attended a workshop on infusing careers into ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Eighth grade career teachers shared best practices for their classes and twelfth grade teachers discussed strategies for having students develop quality senior exit presentations on Who am I, Where am I Going?, and How am I Getting There… There is ongoing Career Cruising training at the GISD. Evening workshops were provided for parents of eighth grade students on Career Cruising and career planning. Consultants are currently going to each district to review EDP Implementation Plans to ensure that districts are meeting the requirements of the career planning model.

Brian Pyles, Shiawassee RESD
The Shiawassee County counselors are using the new Michigan Comprehensive Guidelines as a self-evaluation tool focusing on career planning. They have completed the first phase. If districts follow a countywide guideline and counseling plan, then the 9-12 grade students that cross districts will have an easier transition.

V. Career Initiative - Perkins/Tech Prep Updates

Gary Tower reported that the Perkins and Tech Prep grant has been approved. All districts have received their allocations. Perkins has been reauthorized for six years. The State is currently writing a transition plan for the new grant cycle for the federal government. Our region exceeds or meets the current core performance indicators. If a program is not meeting the requirements, there is a good possibility the state may take away their funding under the reauthorization. Brian Pyles stated that he met with our local Career and Technical Education instructors and reviewed the indicators. He shared regional and individual district scores.

Sherry Bradish distributed Tech Prep Activities for 2005-06 and for 2006-07. A cost column was added to this year’s form that will be filled out later in the year. Students are identified and tracked if they take a sequence of courses in high school and continue in the same field at college for twelve credit hours. A form was distributed that lists the current articulation agreements. Articulation agreements will be reviewed by the TRAC committee at the end of February. Letters have been sent listing any deficiencies.

WIA Updates

Brian Pyles stated that students from Lincoln School will be enrolled in WIA in January. WorkKeys pre-test data will be used to assess the student’s current reading and math skills. Key Train, a computer based instructional program, will be used to increase academic achievement. Students will be post-tested to check their levels of academic gains. Results will be reported to the curriculum directors and superintendents. John Hagel added that Grand Rapids is using WorkKeys and maybe we need to hear what they have to say. It was decided that a short presentation on WorkKeys will be scheduled at a future meeting.

Donna Burmeister reported that Genesee County’s WIA grant is very small serving 35 students from 20 school districts. Work experience students are all students with disabilities and will be provided with 75 hours of work experience and receive employability skills training from the schools. Gary stated that GISD doesn’t incur cost for administration and yet the grants are getting smaller and smaller. In seeking additional funding, a modification meeting with Ms. Loving, Career Alliance, is being scheduled.

Troy Napier stated that Baker College’s WIA program serves adults and dislocated workers. The program is progressing nicely but they need more training money. Programs were cut and they are waiting to see if there is extra funding.

A handout on the Governor’s 2007 Michigan Career Education Conference, to be held February 11-13, was distributed. Gary Tower, Brian Pyles, and two CTE teachers will do a presentation on Entrepreneurship at the conference. The state requested this presentation be repeated this year as it was a “Top 20 Presentation” at last year’s conference.

VI. Future Meeting Dates

Monday, March 12, 2007, 8:00 a.m., Broome Center, Flint
Monday, May 7, 2007, 8:00 a.m., Broome Center, Flint

VII. Tour of Baker College
A tour was provided to interested EAG members.

With no further business, the meeting adjourned.

Approval of Minutes:

Dr. M. Richard Shaink, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

Mr. Tim Herman, Co-Chair, EAG (Date)

GT/DB/SM:ch

12.04.06.doc

Meeting Summary

December 4, 2006

Baker College Welcome Center