When reflecting on the evolution of Career and Technical Education (CTE), a former student from Hohokam Elementary School recalled early experiences in shop class. The instructor, Mr. Wilson, emphasized hands-on learning with wood and sheet metal projects. “One thing that still stands out in my mind was the fun time he had building a wooden toy truck. It was not the building of the truck that was the most interesting; it was how, once we knew how to build it, Mr. Wilson had us mass produce it. Our class became a mini-assembly line building and painting toy trucks. We did this for a few weeks, and then the toy trucks were donated to children who did not have access to much in the way of toys. This project taught us that it takes teamwork and planning to utilize the skills he taught us as they apply to a business.”
The former student noted that during the late 1960s, CTE opportunities were limited and not accessible to all students: “Back then, and I’m talking late 1960s, this was our version of Career and Technical Education (CTE). It was good, but didn’t go far enough. For example, girls were not allowed to take the class. Later in high school, there were some opportunities to enroll in classes that were not specifically designed for those who did not have a desire to go to university, but not many.”
Over time, options for students whose goals do not include college or university have expanded at Paradise Valley Unified School District (PVSchools). The district now collaborates with industry partners and educators to develop structured pathway models based on workforce trends.
“At two of our high schools, Horizon and North Canyon, academies are being established. In this structure, students choose their pathway based on interest. The structure allows students to change pathways as their goals evolve. Core academics remain fully intact and are strengthened through real-world connections. The idea is for every participant to be prepared, resilient, and opportunity-ready by the time they graduate,” according to PVSchools.
Horizon’s programs include Arts, Media and Communications; Engineering and Technology; Business and Innovation; and Health, Medical and Bioscience academies. North Canyon offers Arts Media and Communications; Applied Technologies; Public Service and Leadership; as well as Innovation and Technology academies.
“This is just one example of how our district is helping our students get the most out of their experience. No matter what a child’s dream is, it is our goal to give them the tools needed to make the dream happen,” stated PVSchools.
Paradise Valley Unified School District serves Arizona’s Paradise Valley area https://www.pvschools.net/ under guidance from its board of trustees https://www.pvschools.net/. The district specializes in public education https://www.pvschools.net/, offering community learning centers and magnet programs https://www.pvschools.net/ designed to enhance educational opportunities for all students.
PVSchools also emphasizes anti-racism, equity, inclusion https://www.pvschools.net/, quality instruction https://www.pvschools.net/, dynamic learning experiences https://www.pvschools.net/, family resources https://www.pvschools.net/, high academic achievement https://www.pvschools.net/, equity promotion https://www.pvschools.net/, community centers https://www.pvschools.net/, magnet initiatives https://www.pvschools.net/, all supporting student success.
