Examining Criteria for Career and Technical Education Academies in the Kettle Moraine School District

Abstract

Career academies offer high school students a wide range of educational benefits and opportunities. Advantages for students attending an academy include finding their professional path, being prepared for college and the workplace, and getting hands-on experience. Academic knowledge, critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, social skills, cooperation, communication, perseverance, and community involvement are all taught in academies' curricula to prepare students for success in postsecondary education or the workforce. This study aimed to identify the criteria needed to implement a CTE career academy in the Kettle Moraine School District. This study focused on the career clusters that are generally taught in high school and post-secondary 2-year institutions to identify the crucial factors to consider when creating a CTE academy at Kettle Moraine High School. Qualitative research methods were used in this study. A request for one-on-one interviews was sent via email to seven Kettle Moraine district employees. Four employees responded, and interviews were conducted. These interviews featured openended questions about the implementation of career academies at Kettle Moraine High School. The results were unclear about what was needed and who had the power to make decisions regarding new implementation.