Grayson Tech: First Comes Learning … Then a Career!

opened its Technical Education Program in 2004, soon after the high school opened its doors. The plan has always been to provide a more focused educational resource for those students who were looking beyond college to careers in technical fields. Offering 12 programs to 11^th and 12^th grade students enrolled in Gwinnett County Public Schools, classes are composed of three blocks or units during the school day, allowing for extended educational opportunities in particular fields of study.

Not to be confused with trade/vocational studies, the programs at Grayson Tech are grounded in technology and taught by individuals with real-life experience in the field. According to Jennifer Fero, assistant principal, the students engage in “real-life projects” and field trips during their course study at Grayson Tech.

With the 2012 school year, students graduating from the program will be more than ready for a career. Gov. Nathan Deal signed House Bill 186 during this past legislative session, allowing for embedded academic credits in the curriculum meaning that within the technical course study, the core requirements for math, science and language arts are being met, also.

HB 186 is meant to “provide and expand career pathway options for high school students to ensure their career and college readiness.” Furthermore, it coordinates secondary curriculum with college expectations. The opening paragraph also includes “to provide for coordination between the State Board of Education, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and the Board of Technical and Adult Education.” An important part of the bill addresses the following needs: “academic core standards (are) to be embedded in career, technical, and agricultural education courses; to provide for end-of-course assessments; to provide for course credit for demonstrated proficiency; to provide for certain requirements relating to dual credit courses.”

Quite simply, this means students will not only graduate ready for Georgia’s work force, but with college-bound fulfillment as well, since the technology curriculum has been approved by Georgia’s Board of Regents.

“The students are prepared for their career at Grayson Tech,” Fero said.

CTI coordinator Kerri New said it is important for students with a focus on specific career expectations to plan their curriculum for the maximum benefit of the program.

“Arranging schedules in the ninth- and 10^th-grade years to complement the embedded credits of the 11^th and 12^th grades ensure that these students graduate with career and college readiness,"New said, adding it would be a good idea for middle school students to sign up for the held there June 27-30. 

Up-to-date equipment and technology is used throughout the program.

Although GHS is a large school, Fero said that doesn't apply as much to the technical school.

"The best part is, we get to be a small school. We know all of our students,” she said, adding the smaller class sizes for larger blocks of time create a unique learning experience.

Next year’s programs at Grayson Tech will include Video Production, Veterinary Sciences, Music Recording, Music Technology, Sports Medicine, Advanced Engineering, IT Networking Systems, Law Enforcement, Biotechnology, Digital Media and Design, Commercial Photography and Culinary Arts. You may check out their website for more information at www.GraysonTech.org.