The Impact of a Career and Technology Education Program

There continues to be a shortage of qualified graduates for agriculture jobs within the United States. One reason for this shortage is the decline in student enrollment in colleges of agriculture. One tool that can increase college preparation for future graduates and help students succeed is the agriculture dual-enrollment program. Dual enrollment allows high-school students to take courses while dually enrolled in a corresponding college course. The program was found to have a positive impact on students taking more rigorous courses and gaining in-depth knowledge of agriculture. Teachers felt that this program helped in establishing higher standards in coursework and in feeling satisfied about their job. It enhanced prestige and program reputation. Dual enrollment was seen to have little to no impact on school counselors. Research focused on the pedagogical approaches of these course offerings will benefit the creation of future high-quality dual credit courses.

A Developmental and Holistic Approach to Learning and Meeting the Needs of the Workforce

This chapter examines the partnerships and holistic and developmental process of Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) for Higher Education in two community colleges. Innovative leadership practices and partnerships by administrators, faculty and staff to improve institution and workforce success are at the center of these two community college case studies. Real implementation challenges such as student persistence and participation, faculty buy-in, were faced. Supporting career and technology education plus new approaches in teaching were part of the paradigm shift that contributed to the overall success of students and faculty participating in AVID for Higher Education (AHE). The study uses the AHE framework as a system for community colleges to leverage rigor and skill development for a global workforce. This case study highlights the work to improve faculty pedagogy and engagement and support historically underrepresented students to continue the improvement of college completion, transition and be workforce ready.