The Career and Technical Education (CTE) Department had a proposed business pathway approved by the Board of Education at last week’s public meeting, which could add a new sequence of courses for high school students as early as this fall. The plan will now be sent to the NYS Education Department with hopes of approval and implementation in September.

The pathway would offer students a new sequence of business courses with college credit attached to it as well as an internship.

“We want to update our current offerings so they are more aligned to college and job market needs,” said James McHugh, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.

Columbia High School’s Business Department developed the business pathway with Rosemarie Posillico from CTE Technical Assistance Center of New York. And it’s just one potential benefit from the work contributed by East Greenbush teachers and administrators.

All eight CTE teachers from the district, along with Mr. McHugh, were led in professional development by Sherry St. Clair from the CTE TAC Center of New York earlier this month. The professional development, provided at no cost, covered topics such as project-based learning, rigor and relevance, increasing student performance, and how to develop meaningful project-based learning experiences for students.

This work is in response to data collected from various resources such as the NYS Job Analytics’ Report, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, National Student Clearinghouse Database, and discussions with regional employers, HVCC and other colleges.

“Our Business, Family and Consumer Sciences, and Technology Departments have been working together throughout the year in an effort to update course curriculum, increase opportunities for college in high school, increase all students’ exposure to career awareness and enhance students’ ability to problem solve, think independently, collaborate with others, persevere and communicate with confidence,” Mr. McHugh said.