Critical Issues for CareerTech Conference

By Paula Bowles

Nationally recognized leaders in education joined industry and education leaders from throughout the state March 26 to discuss the future of career and technology education for Oklahoma. The event, called “Critical Issues in CareerTech Education,” was held at Metro Tech’s South Bryant Campus, Oklahoma City.

“Our purpose was to gain input from key decision makers and stakeholders in the state to determine the course of career and technology education for the future,” said Phil Berkenbile, director of Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. “We heard from nationally recognized leaders in the field and worked through some of the critical issues facing career and technology education and its services.”

Presenting the national perspective were Betsy Brand, co-director, American Youth Policy Forum; Anthony Carnevale, vice president for education and careers, communications and public affairs, Educational Testing Service; and Bill Daggett, president, International Center for Leadership in Education.

Presenting information on a state perspective was Chancellor of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education Paul Risser, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Sandy Garrett and Secretary of Commerce Kathy Taylor also will be speaking.

Brand was appointed by President George Bush in 1989 as assistant secretary for vocational and adult education at the U.S. Department of Education and held that position until 1993. She has served as a legislative associate for the Committee on Education and Labor, U.S. House of Representatives and as a professional staff member on the U.S. Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee. She operated a consulting firm, Workforce Futures Inc., focusing on policy and best practices affecting education, workforce preparation and youth development

Carnevale is an internationally recognized authority on education, training and employment. He has held senior staff positions in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare. He chaired the National Commission for Employment Policy during President Bill Clinton’s first term, while serving as vice president and director of human resource studies at the Committee for Economic Development.

Daggett is recognized worldwide for his proven ability to move education systems toward more rigorous and relevant skills and knowledge for all students. He has assisted a number of states and hundreds of school districts with their school improvement initiatives, many in response to No Child Left Behind and its demanding Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) provisions. Daggett also has collaborated with education ministries in several countries and with the Council of Chief State School Officers, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the National Governors Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Apple Computer and many other national organizations.

During the event participants discussed implications for secondary and postsecondary education to discuss in small breakout sessions. This information will be used to develop a strategic plan and implement changes in the system.

“This event was one of the most important steps we will take in moving our system forward,” said Berkenbile. “We hope to identify outcomes which will help us improve our service to the people and businesses our of state.”