Description:

Transform your curriculum from academic theory into professional practice. In this workshop, we map VDOE state competencies directly to the high-demand tasks currently performed in the field. You will examine the technical workflows of your specific industry and design learning modules that require students to use the same tools, language, and logic as working professionals. The goal is to ensure that every task completed in the classroom serves as a “work sample” for a future employer.

Subject Area: Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Delivery Format: In-Person, Virtual, Hybrid

Target Audience: Classroom Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Administrators, District Administrators

Duration: Half-Day (3 hours), Full-Day (6 hours)

Facilitators:

Grade Level: Middle, High

Learning Intentions:

• Deconstruct VDOE state competencies to identify the underlying knowledge and skills.
• Analyze current industry standards and technical tools to ensure classroom equipment and logic match the field.
• Design authentic learning tasks that function as both an assessment and a professional work sample.

Success Criteria:

• Map one VDOE competency and pair it with a specific, high-demand task currently performed by industry professionals.
• List the specific software, hardware, or “soft skill” logic a professional uses to complete that task.
• Create a brief outline for a learning module where the final product is a deliverable that could be shown to a hiring manager.
• Evaluate my task to ensure it uses professional language and mimics a real-world technical workflow.

Key Topics Covered:

Expected Impact:

Industry-aligned classrooms bridge the gap between education and the workforce by infusing academic tasks with professional purpose and real-world relevance. As students master technical workflows and utilize industry-standard tools, they develop the agency and practical logic necessary to produce high-quality, portfolio-ready work. This shift not only enhances technical proficiency but also cultivates the professional confidence students need to transition seamlessly from the classroom into high-demand careers.

Testimonials: