General Information

GRADUATION CREDITS
Students earn 7 credits toward graduation for one (1) year at Center For Technology, Essex.

MID-TERM REPORTS
Midway through each academic quarter interim reports will be distributed to all students. Parents are encouraged to contact the school and/or teachers at any time for an update on their child's progress.

GRADING SYSTEM
A+  97-100
A    94-96
A-   92-93
B+  90-91
B    87-89
B-   85-86
C+  83-84
C    80-82
C-   78-79
D+  76-77
D    73-75
D-   70-72
F     BELOW 70

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

TAKING STEPS TOWARD SUCCESS: APPLYING TO THE CENTER FOR TECHNOLOGY, ESSEX

All students are welcomed and encouraged to apply for enrollment in a program at the Center for Technology, Essex (CTE). Our application process is designed to ensure that every student who applies is aware of the prerequisites and rigors of the technical programs at CTE and is ready to make a commitment.

CTE is an award-winning career development center that strives to prepare young people and adults for current and emerging careers. Students who successfully complete CTE programs (in one or two years) are eligible for careers in their field and for post-secondary educational opportunities. It is important that students who apply to CTE understand that their academic skills, career aptitude and genuine interest are essential components for future success. Every CTE student will engage in applied academic-technical education that meets high school graduation requirements while also focusing on workplace preparation and direct workplace experiences. We are invested in our students and in their success. We welcome your interest in our school.

Admissions process: Each of the following steps is important for all applicants. In addition, procedures for adult applicants, second year/apprentice applicants, and for special populations students are attached.

1. ORIENTATION SESSION: Learn about the programs at CTE by meeting with a counselor and previewing the CTE video, brochure and program descriptions, by visiting the web site at www.gocte.org or attending the annual CTE open house.

2. VISIT: Students interested in attending CTE visit the program(s) prior to application (students are encouraged to visit two different programs). Visits are arranged through the CTE office; high school students are encouraged to make visit arrangements through their high school guidance office.

3. APPLY: A student interested in a particular program at CTE submits a complete application * to the CTE Guidance Coordinator. Applications are accepted beginning January 1 for the following school year; the CTE application deadline is the first week in March. (Applications received after this date are considered on a space-available basis; summer applicants attend an orientation prior to acceptance into a program).
* A complete application includes high school academic transcript including most recent semester, high school attendance records including most recent semester, all requested signatures and information and all relevant educational information.

4. STEP-UP DAY: Step-Up Day at CTE will be held in April.
This is an important next step to determine the appropriateness of the program for the applicant. High school students will be invited to attend Step-Up Day who (based on application materials):
* have junior or senior year credit (minimum 10 credits)
* have acceptable attendance history (no more than 10 days a semester unless there are extenuating circumstances
* will be at least 16 years old by first day of school

5. DECISION: The CTE Admissions Committee will meet following Step-Up Day and review each student's application. The committee will review: accompanying materials and information, feedback on safe and appropriate behavior and any assignments from Step-Up Day. Classes are configured using a pre-determined class size number. Priority is given to applicants who meet suggested prerequisites as outlined in the program descriptions. Decisions will be made in April and forwarded to sending schools and sent to the applicant. Once the class size is reached and the program is full, additional qualified applicants will be placed in a waiting pool.
APPEAL: Students not accepted to CTE may appeal the decision to the Technical
Center Director.

CTE Admission Committee may include:

* CTE Guidance Counselors
* CTE Program Instructors
* Student Services
* CTE Director or Assistant Director
* Adult Services Coordinator (when appropriate)

A student not accepted to CTE may re-apply the following year. These students will be advised as to how they can prepare for a future successful application.

If at any point in the process questions arise regarding an applicant's suitability for the particular program, or for CTE as a whole, the appropriate person(s) at the sending school or agency will be consulted.

Probationary Standing
All students enter CTE on a probationary status for ten CTE school days. During this timeframe, a student's willingness to embrace the CTE code of behavior and to develop workplace readiness skills is assessed.

Continued Probationary Standing may be recommended if a student shows promise but needs more time for assessment. The sending school guidance counselor is notified if a student is being considered for extended probation.

Students enrolled after the tenth school day will be placed on probationary status until the end of the first grade report.

GUIDELINES FOR EDUCATORS ASSISTING STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
(to be used along with the CTE Application Procedure)

In addition to the preceding admission procedure, please note the following clarifications and guidelines involved in facilitating an application for a high school student with special needs. Unless noted, the following applies to students eligible for IEP or 504 services.

1. Student Visits
Case managers are encouraged to inform CTE special populations teachers prior to the student's CTE program visit. Students with special needs are encouraged to visit CTE along with the other students from their sending school.

2. Pre-Application Meeting
Prior to application to CTE, a meeting is required for all students who have an IEP (under IDEIA) or are served under 504.

Career & Technical Education State Board Regulations section 2387.21 states:

"Students identified as being eligible for services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act 2004, and/or reasonable accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, shall be considered for enrollment in technical education at a (an) IEP/504 Meeting. When an IEP/504 Team determines that the student would benefit from an appropriate placement in technical education, the student may apply for admission to the technical center. Members of the IEP/504 Team shall include the technical education Special Populations Teacher and the instructor of the desired technical education program."

Sending schools should provide to the Technical Special Populations Teacher (TSPT) copies of the IEP, 504 plan, evaluations and any other information pertinent to evaluation of the appropriateness of a student's proposed technical program placement.

CTE encourages early completion of the above requirements.

3. Application
If the IEP team considers the placement appropriate, the student is encouraged to apply. All application materials are treated as confidential material.

4. Step-Up Day
All students invited to Step-Up Day are expected to attend CTE on this day with their peers and participate fully in programs and activities.

5. Decision
Official acceptance into a CTE program, for all students, is based on meeting the program prerequisites and the recommendations of the CTE Admissions Committee.

GUIDELINES FOR STUDENTS SEEKING A SECOND YEAR
(to be used along with the CTE Application Procedure)

These clarifications are for students currently enrolled in CTE who wish to apply for a second year. If you believe that a second year at CTE will enhance your personal career opportunities and you have been successful in your current program, you are welcome to apply. The process is the same whether you wish to pursue a different program or advanced study in the same program. The sooner you get started on these steps, the better. Application forms are available in the CTE office.

1. Discuss options with your current CTE teacher, guidance counselor and parents or guardian. Explore your options and discuss whether you have the support of your teachers to pursue advanced study at CTE or to enroll in a different, related, program.

2. Visit the program you wish to enroll in if it is different from your current program. Schedule the visit with the Guidance Secretary in the CTE office. If you intend to apply for an Apprenticeship position, schedule a meeting with the Co-op Coordinator.

3. Complete the CTE Application with your sending school counselor. Your counselor will need to verify that you are on-track for graduation, and indicate any "companion courses" that you would need at CTE next year. Your parent or guardian also must sign this application form.

4. Give your current program instructor a "Teacher Information Form" (available in CTE office). Your teacher will complete this form and return it directly to the CTE Guidance Coordinator. Teachers are asked to comment on your likelihood for success, especially regarding:
* Ability to set and work toward goals (initiative and reliability)
* Attendance
* Attitude, cooperation, peer courtesy and job readiness
* Grades for current year
* Ability to meet program competencies and state standards
* Worker Traits

5. Attend Step-Up Day. If your application is complete, and you are recommended by your current CTE instructor, you will be invited to this all- day event at CTE. This is a very important part of the process for all applicants.

6. Decision. You will be notified in April.

GUIDELINES FOR ADULT APPLICANTS
(to be used along with the CTE Application Procedure)

The Center for Technology, Essex (CTE) offers a strong selection of career preparation programs that are open to both high school students and adult learners. To encourage success in the program of interest for the adult applicant, prior career planning and academic assessments are requested. CTE works with the Department of Labor (DOL), Reach-Up and Vermont Vocational Rehabilitation to ensure that applicants are ready for the rigors of full-time technical school. Adults who are accepted into CTE programs will be required to attend school every day, Monday - Friday, from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.; school is in session from late August until early June each year. The best time to apply is between January and March for the following Fall, although you may have success with a summer application if there is still space in the program you are interested in.

Each of the following steps is an important part of the application process

1. Learn about the Programs at CTE: Visit the web site (www.go-cte.org) to read the different program descriptions. You can also preview a brief video about CTE and see our brochure at DOL (or you can schedule a time to do this at CTE).

2. Schedule an appointment with the Adult Services Coordinator at CTE (call 879-4832 and speak with the Adult Services Coordinator). Make an appointment to visit the program(s) that interests you, and to meet the teachers. You should plan to spend at least one hour in the program you hope to apply to. Program visits are required before an application can be submitted. (Summer applicants may be required to attend a week-long orientation session in lieu of this visit).

4. Decision: Priority is given to qualified applicants who have not yet graduated from high school. (Adults with a GED are included in this group). Decisions for adults who have not graduated from high school will be made in April, at the same time as decisions for high school students. Adults with a high school diploma will be notified on a space available basis.

5. Summer Orientation: All adults who are accepted to CTE will be encouraged to attend a one-day orientation class. Students will learn basic computer skills, time management and math/science/communication brush-up in preparation for school.

SKILLS USA
Each year students from CTE compete against other technical students in statewide and national events through our association with SkillsUSA. SkillsUSA-VICA is a national organization serving a quarter-million high school and college students and professional members who are enrolled in technical, skilled, and service occupations, including health occupations.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL HONOR SOCIETY
Outstanding CTE students are formally recognized and honored as members of the National Technical Honor Society. The recognition is earned through academic achievement, citizenship and community service.

OTHER
SCHOOL CLOSING
In the event of severely inclement weather, school may be delayed or closed. The same conditions may necessitate early dismissal. All announcements will be made over radio stations.

DRESS AND APPEARANCE
Many programs require professional attire, purchased by the school, to be worn during class time.

Students dress shall not detract from the educational process and appearance will reflect personal cleanliness, neatness and hygiene consistent with the expectations of parents and school authorities. Shorts are permissible, but must meet the following guidelines:
• No cut-off jeans, pants, or spandex shorts
• No holes in the shorts
• Shorts must be AT LEAST fingertip length

Bare midriffs and obscene offensive or suggestive clothing are NOT allowed. Any item of clothing which illustrates drug or alcohol use will NOT be allowed.

Students dressed inappropriately will be asked to change; repeat offenses will result in disciplinary action.

CORRIDOR BEHAVIOR
School hallways are public passways and students are asked to act responsibility.

AUTOMOBILES AND PARKING
Students who have permission to drive their cars to school must do the following:
• Register the vehicle in the Technical Center office and display their student parking sticker appropriately.
• Park in the assigned student parking area.
• Drive responsibly on and near school grounds.
• Do NOT go to your vehicle during the school day.

Violation of any of the above will result in loss of this privilege. The school is not responsible for any vehicles in the parking lot.

STUDENT-PARENT HANDBOOK - To view the handbook please go to www.ccsuvt.org

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