At Belmont Ridge Middle School, an adapted Career and Technical Education (CTE) class is providing students with early exposure to practical and academic skills that can prepare them for life after high school. The program is designed for middle school students and aims to offer supportive and inclusive learning experiences.
Teachers Michael Goddard, Samantha Most, Melissa Griffin, and Claudia Senior work together to create lessons that emphasize collaboration, problem-solving, and perseverance. The curriculum includes hands-on activities such as using assistive technology, working with design tools, following blueprints, building projects, collaborating in teams, and preparing demonstrations for classmates and families.
The adapted CTE class introduces students to a range of career paths in fields like engineering, design, food services, health sciences, and digital media. These experiences are intended to help students develop both competence and self-confidence by showing them they are capable of meaningful work.
Research indicates that when students with disabilities participate in high-quality CTE programs, they have higher graduation rates from high school, are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education, and achieve better employment outcomes. Participation in STEM-related CTE courses has also been shown to improve self-efficacy and identity among students with learning disabilities while increasing the likelihood they will pursue STEM opportunities after graduation.
The adapted CTE class at Belmont Ridge aligns with the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Instructional Framework. This framework focuses on student-centered instruction, inclusion, authentic learning experiences, and designing instruction that supports growth for all students. In this class setting, modifications and supports are built into the lessons so diverse needs can be addressed.
Projects in the adapted CTE classes include transforming 2D drawings into 3D creations or constructing bridges from popsicle sticks. These activities allow students to test ideas collaboratively while celebrating their achievements together.
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