Message from the Director of CTE

Public schools must go beyond teaching academic skills.  While these are foundational to learning, there is a much broader set of skills students need to be prepared for the world of work and become productive members of society. For us, the 3 Rs mean more than "Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic."  The 3 Rs stand for Rigor, Relevance and Relationships. In order for students to engage in rigorous academic learning they must first find personal relevance and supportive relationships in school.  Our Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs provide an environment in which students find the intrinsic motivation to perform at the highest levels.

The world is changing.  Children of school age will be entering a work environment that many of us now cannot even imagine.  Three global forces are at work.  Automation is projected to take up to 20% of the current jobs in the U.S. economy over the next 20 years.  The jobs of the future will require complex thinking, adaptability and team work.  The revolution in communication technology has created a global work place, and the technological skills needed to thrive in this environment are constantly evolving.  Companies are moving away from hierarchy to employ workers from diverse professions to work in lateral teams.

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Much of our public school infrastructure was designed and built on the factory model for a bygone industrial era. Our children will be entering a rapidly evolving knowledge economy. Now, more than ever, it is critical for students to understand their individual personality makeup and what potential career paths interest them - as early as elementary school. I encourage you to explore this website to learn about the rich history of CTE, why it is a corner stone of College and Career Readiness, and what CTE pathways are offered by Providence Public Schools.

Sincerely,

Luke Driver

J. Luke Driver  M.P.A./M.Ed.
District Director of Career and Techncial Education
Providence Public Schools