By Phil Berkenbile, Ed. D.
State Director of Career and Technology Education

In recognition of National CareerTech Week, Feb. 12-18, I’d like to reflect on some of the things that have been taking place at Oklahoma’s CareerTech state agency that you won’t read about in the newspaper, but are important in our effort to provide even greater economic impact to the state of Oklahoma.

A lot has been happening in and around the agency over the past year or so as we continue looking at the way things get done around here. The commitment to excellence that the state agency has toward its internal and external customers begins with listening, followed by action, and ends with listening some more.

We are conducting Town Hall meetings with agency staff. We gathered input from stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan. As a result of the strategic plan, goal teams developed action steps. Other cross-functional teams have been developed as well. 

In light of all these on-going discussions, I want to share some of the progress that’s been made, as well as issues that are still in front of us.

Just one year ago this month, nearly all state staff members participated in a culture survey. As a result, a team of 25 state staff members dissected and discussed survey results, then presented prioritized recommendations to improve communication and organizational effectiveness.

At the same time, a committed group of state staff employees researched and examined pay incentives that will help recruit and retain top-notch employees at the state agency.

In May an electronic customer satisfaction survey was sent to about 5,500 of the department’s customers, defined as the teachers and administrators in the technology centers, comprehensive high schools and business and industry.A total of 1,446 people replied resulting in a response rate of 26 percent. 

Also, more than 4,000 stakeholders statewide participated in providing input for the system’s strategic plan. Stakeholders include business and industry partners, technology center and comprehensive school superintendents, higher education representatives, and the CareerTech State Board of Education.

As a result of all these activities, we’ve made some internal changes.

• Alternative work schedules for state staff
• New broad-banded salary structure
• Pay incentive options
• Specific recommendations to make progress in the areas of mission, adaptability, consistency, and involvement
• Cross-functional teams to make recommendations for change
• Professional development training for staff
• Town Hall meetings for agency improvement
• New Google Search for the CareerTech website, making searches easy and complete

We will continue to look for improvements and have several activities on the drawing board.

• Develop internal and external communications plans as outlined in the strategic plan
• Continue annual customer satisfaction survey and establish department goals for improvement
• Develop new CareerTech Student Information System
• Continue to expand services of the new Information Commons (Resource Center) to the field
• Focus on diversity in the department and in the field

Our communication lines are open. Please stay in touch with us as we continue to move the CareerTech system forward, preparing Oklahomans for success in the workplace, in education and in life