Delaware Academy CSD at Delhi partners with SUNY Delhi for CTE programs |
On Board Online • April 23, 2018
By George Basler
Special Correspondent
Cedar Eagleroad describes himself as a hands-on type of person. That's one reason the 18-year-old Delaware Academy senior is studying automotive technology in high school.
A well-regarded automotive program is available at a regional center run by the Delaware Chenango Madison Otsego BOCES. But that would require a 90-minute roundtrip bus ride.
Now Eagleroad travels just five minutes to the SUNY Delhi campus, where he's taught by college faculty. "It sounded like a great opportunity to get a jump start on what I want to do with my life," he said.
The change is the result of a partnership between the Delaware Academy Central School District and SUNY Delhi that allows vocational students to enroll in college courses and receive college credits while earning a high school diploma.
Called the College Technical Education Program (CTEP), the initiative began three years ago with juniors and seniors going to the SUNY Delhi campus to earn a certificate in automotive technology. The partnership expanded this school year with the creation of a program for hospitality and culinary arts. Plans call for the introduction of a business program in the fall and a veterinary science program in 2019-20.
The collaborative effort is "a great way for us to introduce our applied learning programs to students in high school, and it provides us a way to recruit talented students," said David Brower, dean of hospitality and business management at SUNY Delhi.
The partnership started small with three students in the automotive technology program. All three graduated in June and went on to SUNY Delhi to complete associate's degrees in occupational studies.
While numbers remain small, CTEP's growth has been steady. Seven students are now enrolled in automotive technology while another six are enrolled in hospitality and culinary arts.
"We're exposing students to college who wouldn't have thought about college before. That's huge," said Delaware Academy Superintendent Jason D. Thomson, a strong advocate for the program.
In addition, students get practical experience through internships with local businesses when SUNY Delhi is on academic breaks, he noted.
A new model
Delaware Academy officials acknowledged CTEP is a major break with the traditional model of sending technical education students to the BOCES center.
"We were met with some opposition," Thomson said, including scheduling concerns.
But the benefits outweighed concerns, he said. One factor was the fact that Delaware Academy's BOCES aid ratio is 41 percent, which is below the state average of 64.7 percent.
Also, students no longer spend 90 minutes a day on buses and transition, which equates to 50 days of instructional time. Students can earn 32 college credits and can qualify for guaranteed admission to SUNY Delhi.
The 32 credits mean students can complete work for a two-year applied degree in one year, instead of the usual two - a big tuition savings for parents. The credits are transferrable to other SUNY institutions. And students earn national industry certification in their vocational areas.
Moreover, students don't pay a dime because Delaware Academy covers their college tuition costs using money that previously went to pay BOCES tuition. Thomson estimates the value at $20,000.
"You're getting a head start on a college career," said Delmar Crim, 19, a junior in the automotive technology program.
Delaware Academy reorganized staff to start the program. Abby Losie, a certified teacher, was reassigned as CTEP coordinator. The district also hired two teaching assistants to help students stay on top of their college coursework.
Part of Losie's job is planning students' schedules so they meet their high school requirements while taking the college courses. She also teaches English, math and science so CTEP students can fit these classes into their school day.
"I still run by New York State standards. Students still take Regents exams. The only thing different is the scheduling," she said.
Providing support
Thomson thinks CTEP could be a model of how school districts can partner with SUNY colleges.
Still, cost is an issue. CTEP's per pupil expense of $18,241 is some $3,000 more than the cost of sending a student to BOCES, district figures show.
"You have to keep an eye on it financially," Thomson said. That could include capping the number of CTEP students, although the district is nowhere near reaching that cap, he said. The program has applied for grants to help offset the $3,000 differential.
To join CTEP, students must apply and be interviewed by a panel that includes Losie, a representative of the college department and Delaware Academy Principal Robin Robbins.
"It's definitely a lot to take on your first year. On top of high school classes, you're thrown into college with higher expectations," said Felicia Sillitti, 18, a senior in the hospitality and culinary arts program. But it's well worth it, she said.
Molly Sherman, 17, a junior in the same program, agreed. CTEP is a great opportunity for any student, she said, adding it's "the best of both worlds" because students get college experience while still in high school.
"CTEP helps move students closer to the finish line within their academic careers, and that's a win-win for all," added SUNY Delhi Provost Kelli Ligeikis. She said she's looking forward to a long partnership.