Conyers, Ga. – The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) students involved in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs increased to an all-time high of 99.49% for 2024, continuing above the state-wide rate, which rose to 98.24%. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway. The state also released the district’s 2024 graduation rates for pathway completers in the areas of Advanced Academics, World Language, and Fine Arts. RCPS graduation rates in these areas are 99.74%, 99.25%, and 99.59%, respectively.
“Our CTAE pathways provide students the opportunity and flexibility to choose courses that interest them," said Acting Superintendent Shirley Chesser. "This high CTAE graduation rate is evidence that students are engaged in their learning. Our faculty and staff are committed to the highest level of excellence through the curriculum and hands-on learning experiences to ensure student success.”
Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Sandra Jackson-Lett said, “I congratulate our students, teachers, administrators, and support staff who continue to raise the bar as shown by this highest CTAE graduation rate ever. Our CTAE pathways give students the necessary knowledge, skills, and industry certifications that prepare them for future college or career choices. We are fortunate to have so many great pathways in our schools.”
RCPS offers 31 Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) career pathways in high school, 10 middle school CTAE program offerings and one elementary school CTAE program. The high school career pathways include Audio-Video Technology and Film, Automotive Technology, Business Accounting, Business & Technology, Companion Animal Systems, Computer Science, Construction/Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Early Childhood Care and Education I & II, Engineering and Technology, Entrepreneurship, Financial Services, Game Design, Graphic Design, Interiors Fashion & Textiles, Law Enforcement/Criminal Investigations, Manufacturing, Marine Corps JROTC, Marketing and Management, Nutrition & Food Science, Programming, Teaching as a Profession, Therapeutic Services/Allied Health & Medicine, Therapeutic Services/Exercise Physiology, Therapeutic Services/Patient Care, Therapeutic Services/Surgical Technology, Veterinary Science, Web & Digital Design, Welding. The middle school CTAE program offerings include Agriculture, Business Management & Finance, Communications, Computer Science, Engineering & Technology, Family & Consumer Science, Healthcare Science, Marketing, Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, and Transportation (Aerospace). The elementary school CTAE program offering is Agriculture.
Georgia’s CTAE program leverages partnerships with industry and higher education ensure that students are ready to take their next step after high school. Students can take more than 100 career pathway courses within the 17 Career Clusters, earn recognized industry credentials, participate in work-based learning and apprenticeship opportunities, and serve as leaders through membership in co-curricular Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTAE is for all students, and Career Pathway completers are prepared to pursue higher education (through the University System of Georgia, Technical College System of Georgia, or another institution), enter the military, accept an apprenticeship opportunity or immediately begin their career.
For more information about CTAE Career Pathways offered at RCPS, contact RCPS CTAE Director Dionne Johnigan at
[email protected]. For more information about Work-Based Learning at RCPS, contact Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator Dr. Brandi Johnson at
[email protected].
For more information about Advanced Academics such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes, contact Beth Gillis at
[email protected]. For more information about Dual Enrollment and earning college credit in high school, contact
[email protected]. For Fine Arts information, contact Dr. Kirby Meng at
[email protected]. For information about World Languages, contact Dr. Sha'Ronda McRae at
[email protected].