Work-based learning gives CTE students the real-world experience to understand their future career and hone their craft. Various work-based learning opportunities are available, including workplace tours, job shadowing and school-based enterprises, internships and apprenticeships.
Earning dual credit or articulated credit is a great way for students to enhance their CTE experience. Students participating in these courses earn college credit for little or no cost and they get a jumpstart on their postsecondary education.
Dual credit courses are college courses that students take while they are in high school. Dual credit courses may be offered on high school campuses, at higher education institutions that partner with AISD or through an approved distance-learning program.
Industry-Based Certifications position CTE students a step ahead of other applicants for employment in industry. Students earning an Industry-Based Certification possess the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in a specific career. Earning these credentials shows that students are experienced in real-world industry skills which makes them more competitive in the job market.
Each unique CTE Program of Study offers opportunities for students to earn industry-based certifications. Some certifications have age and/or specific industry requirements.
Social and Emotional Learning is a process for helping children and adults develop fundamental skills for life effectiveness. SEL teaches the skills we all need to handle ourselves, our relationships, and our work effectively and ethically. These skills include recognizing and managing our emotions, developing caring and concern for others, establishing positive relationships, making responsible decisions, and handling challenging situations constructively and ethically.
Austin ISD has three single-gender schools: the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, Bertha Sadler Means Young Women’s Leadership Academy and Gus Garcia Young Men’s Leadership Academy.
Starting early in school helps children get a head start and greatly improves their chances for success in life. From the littlest learners to college-bound graduates, Austin ISD offers a world of opportunities—including arts, athletics, health sciences and robotics—to help all students achieve their greatest potential.
Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) help emerging student leaders realize their potential. CTSOs reinforce the knowledge and skills learned in Career and Technical Education while offering students engaging opportunities outside of the classroom.
The Montessori method of education, developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, is a child-centered educational approach based on scientific observations of children. Multi-age groupings are the hallmark of the program in which younger children learn from older children. The program focuses on the whole child, facilitating students through Montessori instructional materials that are based on the principles of Montessori education.
In the MicroSociety program, students participate in entrepreneurship activities and take on roles such as school mayor and city planner. The program teaches students to solve real-world problems by thinking critically, collaborating in diverse teams and connecting subject matter and experiences in ways that foster creativity. MicroSociety was created by the late George Richmond, painter, poet, author and educator.
Magnet programs offer a theme-based curriculum for students who are interested in specific subjects that match their talents, skills or career path. Teachers receive specialized training aligned to the school's thematic focus, and strong community partnerships support the relevance of the theme with a real-world view.
