LM Summer 2024

McKenzie Snoddy, one of the founding teachers of CHS Industries: “In the end, it’s for the students, by the students and with the students at Charleston High School.” Manolo Concepcion, CTE teacher: “The intersection between life-skills acquisition, project based learning and teamwork in a dynamic classroom environment where every student has a voice and opportunity to be transformational.” CTE Focus at the Middle School These changes for the district, however, are not exclusive to the high school. Charleston Middle School also added a CTE teacher and exploratory class in 2022, and the district is establishing eight Career Pathways and is redesigning its curriculum around competency based educational and leadership practices throughout each of its K–12 schools. Kristen Holly, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, highlights that the district’s “goals are ultimately to prepare our students for the future, for the day after high school. We work toward these goals through our Competency-Based Education instructional model, our Portrait of a Graduate, Career Pathways, Leader in Me and CTE programs. By giving students opportunities to learn about careers, set goals, develop essential skills and academic readiness, and participate in work-based learning experiences outside of school, they are getting a robust and individualized school experience.” continued...

97 to 305 students. As a result, the district needed to add a CTE specialist and two additional CTE teachers in the past two years, according to Chad Burgett, Assistant Superintendent for Business Services, who oversaw the design team that worked with the district’s architectural firm, The Upchurch Group, to create functional, safe learning spaces. In addition, the number of students signing up for internships within the business and industry community has recently doubled. CTE specialist Angie Niebrugge, who supervises the internship program, sees the change in students every day. “When I stepped into this role almost three years ago, we had around 20 students in our internship program. Next year, I’m excited to say that I have the chance to work with over 80 juniors and seniors. The goal is to provide an internship opportunity for every student before they graduate high school. The word is getting out about the opportunities available for our students and that excitement is spreading.” Views about the success of the program are widespread throughout the district. Ben Oakley, Agricultural Educator and FFA Advisory: “Since the birth of CHS Industries, and the remodel of the Trojan A&M center, I have seen students succeed who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting and get excited to come to school again.” Amy Jackson, CHS teacher: “Everyone has a place in CHS Industries to share their talents, interests, and/or explore a career in a safe environment.”

5 LM Summer 2024