Local schools offer different Career Technical Education delivery models

Ohio’s Career-Technical Education (CTE) landscape offers a diverse range of delivery models tailored to meet the needs of students and communities. These models provide students with hands-on learning opportunities, industry-recognized credentials, and a pathway to successful careers.

Miami Valley schools offer Comprehensive, Compact, and Joint Vocational School Districts within our public school systems. This puts our students on a path to their future — whether that future involves employment, continued education, or enlisting in the military. The region’s Career Technical Education opportunities provide life-changing opportunities for students to choose a future path that best meets their interests and goals.

So which school districts offer which models of Career Technical Education, and how are they different?

‘Comprehensive’ districts

Mad River Local Schools (Stebbins High School CTC), Dayton Public Schools (Ponitz CTC, Meadowdale CTC) and Greenville City Schools (Greenville High School Career Tech) are “comprehensive” districts.

Comprehensive districts integrate their Career Technical Education programs into the traditional high school curriculum at the high school site. This model allows students to seamlessly blend CTE courses with their core academic subjects, providing a holistic educational experience that prepares them for college and the workforce.

Comprehensive districts often offer a variety of CTE programs aligned with career opportunities available in the surrounding community. This localized approach ensures that students gain skills and knowledge relevant to the region’s economic landscape, increasing their employability upon graduation.

Compact districts

Kettering City Schools, Centerville City Schools and Oakwood City Schools work together on career-tech programs. “Compact” districts like this are formed through an agreement between multiple school districts to provide CTE programs jointly.

This collaborative approach allows participating districts to pool resources and expertise, expanding the availability of CTE programs for students within the compact area. Each of the neighboring schools may offer classes in different career disciplines, and students may travel from one school to another.

Compact districts often operate under a shared governance structure, with representatives from each participating district overseeing the administration of CTE programs. This shared leadership fosters a collaborative environment that prioritizes the diverse needs of students from multiple communities.

Joint Vocational School Districts

Joint Vocational School Districts (JVSDs) are independent educational entities that combine multiple school districts to provide a comprehensive range of career pathways. Locally that includes Miami Valley CTC, Greene County Career Center, Warren County Career Center, Upper Valley Career Center and Springfield-Clark CTC.

Governed by a board of representatives from participating districts, JVSDs offer students to gain hands-on experience in various fields. This collaborative approach fosters shared resources, ensuring students can access high-quality CTE programs regardless of their school district’s size or location.

JVSDs typically offer a comprehensive array of CTE programs spanning various industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and business. Students travel to the JVSD campus for classes, or in some cases, take individual “satellite” classes at their home school. Students enrolled in JVSDs often benefit from early exposure to industry standards and practices.

Choosing the right delivery model

The choice of CTE delivery model depends on various factors, including student interests, geographical location, and available resources. The three Miami Valley CTE delivery models provide a flexible and practical framework for preparing students for successful careers. By tailoring CTE programs to the specific needs of students and communities, Miami Valley schools are empowering their future workforce to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Regardless of the delivery model, CTE in the Miami Valley is committed to preparing students for success in the workforce.