Participate and share: Interactive session 
The purpose of this presentation is to help CTE programs be more successful through proactive strategic and support planning between school district technology divisions and CTE departments. When technical leaders have the knowledge and skills to provide effective guidance and support to CTE programs, they can help:
* Align CTE programs with the needs of the workforce and the economy. Technical leaders can help to ensure that CTE programs are teaching students the skills they need to succeed in high-demand technical careers.
* Develop and implement a strategic plan for the use of technology in CTE programs. Technical leaders can help to ensure that technology is used effectively and efficiently to support CTE instruction and learning.
* Provide CTE teachers with the training and support they need to use technology effectively in their classrooms. Technical leaders can help CTE teachers to develop new skills and knowledge, and to troubleshoot any problems they may encounter.
* Work with other departments within the school district to ensure that CTE programs are well-supported. Technical leaders can help to coordinate the efforts of different departments, such as the instructional services department and the finance department, to ensure that CTE programs have the resources they need to be successful.
* Establish mutually beneficial partnerships. Technical leaders can help broker partnerships that provide technical expertise, specialized equipment, and a pipeline of potential candidates for specialized careers.
By providing technical leaders with the knowledge and skills to provide better strategic guidance and technical support to CTE programs, school districts can help to improve the quality of their CTE programs and to prepare students for success.
The learning topics and activities for this session are the following:
* Introducing the purpose and objectives. 5 min.
* How to assess the needs of CTE programs and to develop a strategic plan to address those needs. Activity: present survey tools and strategic planning examples. Facilitate input and discussions with small groups. 10 min.
* Teaching technical leaders how to work with partners and CTE departments to select and implement the appropriate technologies to support CTE instruction and learning. Activity: present scenarios and think, pair, & share. 15 min.
* How to provide training and support to CTE teachers on the use of technology. Activity: discussing the unique technology integration needs of CTE teachers such as business applications, certifications, and authentic student experiences. 20 min.
* Collaborating with other departments within the school district to support CTE programs. Activity: charting the connections and summarizing the session. Questions and answers. 10 min.
Overall, teaching school district technical leaders how to provide better strategic guidance and technical support to CTE programs is an important investment in the future of our students and our economy. By providing technical leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to be successful, we can help to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed in high-demand careers. Here is some supporting research.
The Role of Technology in Career and Technical Education: A Review of the Literature by Robert C. Rucker, published in the Journal of Career and Technical Education in 2006.
A National Study of Career and Technical Education: Technology Integration and Student Outcomes by the National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance, published in 2004.
The Impact of Technology on Career and Technical Education: A Review of the Literature by the National Center for Research in Vocational Education, published in 2003.
Technology and Career and Technical Education: A Review of the Literature by the National Association of State Directors of Vocational Technical Education Consortium, published in 2002.
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