Carroll County Career and Technology Center students must take an industry-approved test to certify them for work in construction.
“This is to increase the rigor of the classes,” said Michael Gray, assistant supervisor of career and technology education for Carroll County Public Schools.
But only half of the students, who were juniors at the time, passed the new state-mandated test with a 78 percent or higher score in the first round last year. The tests assess the students in the areas of masonry, carpentry, welding, electrical construction and heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
“It revealed some areas we needed to work on,” Gray said.
“After the first test, we re-evaluated some things and remediated some areas, and differentiated the instruction.”
As a result, teachers and administrators have been working on individualized instruction to target the students? specific needs, said Margaret Pfaff, director of curriculum and instruction for the school system. Other changes are still being determined.
Students must pass the test, created by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, before advancing to the next phase of the program and into their chosen field. Schools can choose their assessments.
The state is using the results to tailor professional development for construction teachers in areas where students are failing, said Katharine Oliver, assistant superintendent for Career Technology and Adult Learning at the state Department of Education.
“We know how to target our improvement efforts,” she said.
“We have realized because of the alignment with the curriculum we have [to make] changes. This is going to take some time to evolve.”
Carroll County students can retake the test up to four times per year, and Carroll County Career and Technology Center offers summer school classes, and Between 10 percent or 15 percent of the students have not passed the test, Gray said, but they can retake the test this fall.
AT A GLANCE
» The Maryland State Board of Education wants school systems to assess student?s skills through industry certification or licensure to ensure students in the construction trades are well-prepared.
» Harford County currently requires students in welding to pass the certification test.
» Anne Arundel County requires the test for students who want to enter the field of heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
