On May 23, the Department of Education held a virtual summit on mental health in higher education with a particular focus on supporting students with disabilities as they transition from school to careers.
Jen Mishory, deputy assistant secretary of the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education (OCTAE) highlighted the importance of examining performance indicators in Perkins V and identifying discrepancies among CTE concentrators with disabilities using Perkins data. Within adult education, OCTAE is highlighting effective practices and utilizing the Learning Innovation Catalyst (LINC) system to build teacher effectiveness in engaging students with disabilities.
Dr. Chad Gestson, superintendent of the Phoenix Union High School District, discussed the 30 CTE programs that the district offers. Phoenix Union schools worked with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce to create ElevateEdAZ to assist with curriculum development, externships for teachers and paid internships for students.
ElevateEdAZ is focused on increasing the number of students completing high-quality education to workforce pathways that align with the needs of Arizona industries and businesses, including working with education partners to support students in completing industry credentials, earning postsecondary credit and participating in capstone work-based learning experiences.
Assistant Secretary Mishory also discussed the Department of Education’s Career Connected High Schools program that was proposed as part of the Biden Administration’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget request for the Department.
David Arnold, assistant vice president at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), reiterated the need to destigmatize mental health and promote self-care strategies.
You can view the recording of the summit here.