Rockdale County CTAE graduation rate rises to all-time high: 99.13%

CONYERS, GA – The graduation rate for Rockdale County Public Schools (RCPS) enrolled in Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs increased to an all-time high of 99.13% for 2022, surpassing the state-wide rate at 97.1, district officials said.

Officials said the 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 99.48%, 98.82%, and 96.25%, respectively.  

RCPS Superintendent Terry Oatts applauded students and staff members.

 “I continue to be proud of the incredible work of our teachers, CTAE instructors and students. Once again, they have proven the importance of offering specialized courses of study that are based on students’ interests and talents,” said Oatts.  

“…All our Career Pathway completers have engaged in rigorous study in defined career pathway clusters that equip them with advanced college and career readiness and industry-standard employability skills. Work-based learning opportunities in the form of internships and apprenticeships enhance their knowledge and skills through invaluable hands-on work experience and actual part-time employment aligned to their CTAE Pathways…  

“ Our CTAE students are better prepared to enter the workforce making competitive salaries and wages, and giving employers a pool of viable candidates for employment. We celebrate these extremely high pathway graduation rates not only for our students and staff, but for the entire community.”

RCPS offers 31 Career Pathways in high school and has eight middle school CTAE program offerings.

The high school Career Pathways include Audio-Video Technology and Film, Automobile Maintenance & Light Repair, 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, Fashion Merchandising & Retail Management, Financial Services, Interiors Fashion & Textiles, Law Enforcement/Criminal Investigations, Lineworker (electric power lines), Manufacturing, Marine Corps JROTC, Nutrition & Food Science, Programming, Sports & Entertainment Marketing, 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 Business Management & Finance, Communications, Computer Science, Engineering & Technology, Family & Consumer Science, Healthcare Science, Marketing, Transportation (Aerospace).   

Georgia’s CTAE program leverages partnerships with industry and higher education to make sure students are ready to take their next step after high school. Students can take courses in more than 100 Career Pathways within 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 djohnigan@rockdale.k12.ga.us. For more information about Work-Based Learning at RCPS, contact Work-Based Learning/Youth Apprenticeship Program Coordinator Tami Maddox at tmaddox@rockdale.k12.ga.us.  

RCPS students getting hands-on training in Fashion Merchandising and Retail Management program. Screen Shot via RCSP.