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 99.36% for 2023, continuing above the state-wide rate, which rose to 97.75%. This rate applies to students who complete a Career Pathway. The state also released the district’s graduation rates for pathway completers in the areas of Advanced Academics, World Language, and Fine Arts. RCPS graduation rates in these areas are 100%, 99.27%, and 98.05%, respectively.
“Our pathway graduation rates, which were already extremely high, recently rose to new heights,” said Superintendent Dr. Terry Oatts. “They represent excellence in teaching and learning, which is a direct result of outstanding teachers nurturing students who are engaged in their classes and education pathways. Congratulations to all on this tremendous achievement."
Rockdale County Board of Education Chairwoman Pam Brown said, “I am so proud of our students and the teachers, administrators, support staff, and parents who make it possible for students to go above and beyond. Our Class of 2023 has set a high bar of excellence. These pathway graduation rates are yet another example of RCPS student success and preparation for a bright future.”
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].