ADVISORY COMMITTEES
One of the most common characteristics associated with quality programs in Career and Technical Education is their link with the business community. Advisory committees are, in many cases, the most effective way to develop and strengthen such partnerships.
Advisory committees are designed to increase the participation of the public in local CTE programs and to provide greater cooperation between CTE and the private sector in the following areas:
Preparing individuals for employment.
Promoting quality career and technical education.
Making CTE more responsive to, and reflective of the labor market and business or industry.
An advisory committee helps ensure that a high-quality education for each student is delivered within a CTE classroom. The committee has three main roles:
ADVISE - The committee can assess specific areas and make suggestions and recommendations for improvement.
ASSIST - The committee helps teachers carry out activities, projects, or events. This could include classroom visits, judging events, or providing internship sites.
ADVOCATE - The committee helps promote CTE programs throughout the community and local industries.
The CTE Specialist coordinates the local advisory committee by involving teachers in agenda planning, requesting their participation in semi-annual meetings, and engaging local industry partners. They document meeting minutes and focus on advising, assisting, and advocating for the CTE program's needs and goals. Teachers should
Actively participate in and/or inform the agendas of semi-annual advisory committee meetings.
Assist with recruiting industry and community members.
Have a plan for advisory committee involvement within the CTE programs.
Integrate the advice from the advisory committee into the classroom and the work of the collaborative team.