Overview

The Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Office of Career Technical Education (CTE) presents the Golden State Pathways Middle School Symposium in collaboration with Fairgrove Academy, Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Featured Keynote Speakers:

• Angela Lin, Ph.D., Executive Director, Elementary (TK-8), HLPUSD

• Irene Rifilato, LACOE Project Director II, Career Technical Education Unit, Golden State Pathways Program -RTAC

• Mark Anderson, Ph.D., Executive Director of High Schools, HLPUSD

• Joanna Vazquez Zelaya, Deputy Director, Engagement & Implementation, California College Guidance Initiative

• Tamai Johnson, Ed.D., Director, Engagement & Implementation, California College Guidance Initiative

• Sherri Franson, Principal, Fairgrove Academy, HLPUSD

Objectives:

The symposium aims to equip middle school CTE professionals with the requisite skills, knowledge, and information to establish, maintain, or enhance career exploration programs for students:

• Participants will engage with relevant curriculum and strategies to connect students with college and career goals

• Participants will experience modern CTE classrooms that inspire and prepare students toward sequenced pathways

• Participants will acquire the knowledge to support program development and sustainability 

• Participants will establish innovative ways to bridge local partnerships for guiding students' paths 

• Participants will explore equitable practices to CTE opportunities for all students

Featured Breakout Room Sessions:

1. Biotechnology Pathway Alignment from Middle School to High School:
   Mr. Jungsoo Han and Mr. Jim Noiboonsook (Wilson HS & Mesa Robles MS, HLPUSD)

2. Creating an Aviation Pathway from the Ground Up - Drones to Piloting:
   Mr. Cristian Maldonado (Newton MS, Orange Grove MS, and Los Altos HS, HLPUSD)

Featured Classroom Visits:

1. Video Production; Media Technology: Mr. Ernesto Duarte
2. Professional Music: Mrs. Rene Ballmaier
3. Professional Dance: Ms. Wendy Guess