Los Lunas — School of Dreams Academy hosted discussions with a variety of local industry leaders to learn more about the region's career and technical education needs and how to create pathways to meet those needs.
“I've always wanted to build a trade program and started doing it about three years ago,” said SODA Director Mike Ogas. “We want to do things that not only support some kind of regional model, but maybe create one.”
mike orgas
Superintendent Soda
Last year, SODA was named an Innovation Zone grant recipient through the New Mexico Department of Public Instruction, along with 46 other schools in the state that applied for the grant.
“Innovation Zone schools are schools that can bring about a change in the focus of children's education by changing the mode and medium of learning,” Mr Augus said. “We focus on career and technical education through both on-site and hands-on courses at our facilities and through partnerships with local and regional organizations.”
Innovation Zone grants can provide funding for up to three years. Ogus said SODA will receive about $200,000 in its first year in 2023, with funding for the next two years dependent on annual assessments from the state.
Dr. Arsenio Romero, Secretary of the New Mexico Department of Public Instruction, spoke at a panel held Nov. 1 to talk about CTE programs that connect students and industry professionals for more hands-on, real-world learning experiences. emphasized the need for
Romero said there also needs to be a focus on creating a new outlook on what it means to be a high school graduate.
At SODA, students receive hands-on welding instruction as part of the school's efforts to introduce students to a variety of CTE pathways. SODA Superintendent Mike Ogas said he hopes to partner with local and regional organizations to further expand CTE services. Submitted photo.
“For a long time, we have always prepared our students for higher education, but what we have not been able to do in recent decades is give our students the basics to prepare them for other career paths. It's about making sure they have the right skills,” said Romero, the former superintendent. At a school in Los Lunas.
Recognizing this, Romero said the state created the Innovation Zone initiative in 2022 to engage students and assist school districts with innovative ideas to expand CTE programs.
“SODA is a great fit (for the Innovation Zone grant) because they have a long history of innovative work,” Romero said. “They were able to create a system that was missing in Valencia County, which is why we have charter schools. SODA is a great example of this work and shows why they are receiving Innovation Zone grants. A great example.”
Shannon Watling
Agriculture teacher Soda
Next, SODA agriculture teacher Shannon Watling and SODA vice principal of operations Justin Salad took to the stage to discuss SODA's innovative approach to CTE.
“We want to focus on career and post-secondary success, certification and industry skill acquisition as a fundamental guide for each SODA secondary student,” Sarada said. “Students can choose their CTE pathway that fits their personal goals and interests. These classes are no longer considered electives, but will be scheduled before core classes.”
For example, Sarada said, if a student is interested in pursuing plumbing, classes for that will be prioritized in the student's schedule, and then core classes will work around it. Upon completing the CTE pathway, each student completes a capstone project or internship with an affiliated industry leader.
“So rather than teaching them math and seeing what happens, the focus is on how can we help them be productive in these careers and communities,” says Sarada. he said. “So big innovations actually start with the end in mind, rather than working towards it from the beginning.”
Watling said grades six through eight are when students begin to focus on creating this path with students based on their interests and values.
“We introduce them to all the career clusters and pathways available to them and create a database of what they like and don't like,” Watling says. “A committee of teachers will then review this information and establish an advisory committee for students.”
Watling said students do not have to limit themselves to one career path and can take multiple paths at once if they wish.
SODA students gain hands-on plumbing experience under the guidance of TLC employees. Submitted photo.
“This model is more flexible and opens up more options for profit,” Ogas said. “We're not going to ask them to choose a path, but that option is there for them.”
SODA already offers several CTE services, including health sciences, culinary arts, and plumbing classes run in partnership with TLC, but feedback from this discussion will help develop more programs. It's a schedule.
Beyond the Nov. 1 discussion, Augus said he continues to seek feedback from other industries to gain input on creating a wide range of CTE products from technology, skilled trades, agriculture and more.
Ogus said the feedback is also important in creating preliminary renderings of the new school facility they hope to build, and will inform what kind of space is needed to accommodate hands-on CTE courses. Because it helps.
“It will take three years to scale up. The first year will involve planning, community engagement, partnerships and implementing pilot programs while innovating our course offerings,” Sarada said. “Next year, we hope to participate in more programs, deepen our engagement with the community at large, and start earning qualifications and certifications for our students. Our third year will really culminate in You will complete the course.”
“Every job that everyone has in this community exists within a delicate ecosystem,” Watling said. “We need garbage truck drivers, bankers, plumbers, grocers, electricians…all these positions. It's a problem for kids to understand that one is not more important than the other.” there is no.”
Felina Martinez was born and raised in Valencia County. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2021. During her time at UNM, she studied interdisciplinary film, digital media, and journalism. She covers Los Lunas Village, Los Lunas School, School of Dreams Academy, and the town of Peralta.
