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June 2004
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BCTC STUDENTS EXCEL IN STATE COMPETENCY TESTS
June 30, 2004
As part of their graduation requirements, BCTC students must take occupational competency tests to determine the proficiency of their vocational education and job readiness skills. The tests are administered through the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute (NOCTI). This year, 73.4% of the students at BCTC scored above entry skill levels. Sixty percent of the total student population ranked in the advanced performance level with the West Campus Cosmetology and Robotics and Automation Technology programs achieving 100% and receiving the Governor’s Skills Certificate. A total of 372 students took the exam. The NOCTI exams are equivalent to the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) and are mandated by the Department of Education.
According to Scott Speece, BCTC Student Services Counselor, this year’s results are one of the highest received by students at the Berks Career and Technology Center. "Our focus is always one of continuous improvement," Speece said. "We are doing exactly what our mission states - to prepare secondary students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for gainful employment and further education. These results send a message to our sponsoring school districts, post-secondary institutions, and industry that the students are excelling in their desired career path and are eligible for advanced placement employment and/or postsecondary education."
The tests, which are administered on a yearly basis and mandated for all career and vocational schools, monitor the success of the specific career vocational programs and allow students to see their individual strengths and weaknesses relating to their particular program. The results allow teachers to evaluate their programs to previous years as well as compare the program, regionally, statewide, and nationally. It also provides them with information to make curriculum improvements to their programs.
The tests allow students to fall into one of the three performance levels depending on their scores from both the written and performance exams: advanced level - reflects mastery of competence and understanding of academic/career and technical skills and knowledge required for advanced placement in employment and/or postsecondary education; competent level - reflects a solid acquisition of academic/career and technical skills and knowledge required to enter employment and/or postsecondary education; and basic level - reflects an adequate attainment of academic/career and technical skills and knowledge required to enter employment or postsecondary education. Students with this score would function at an entry level, but would require some assistance on the job. In order to take the tests, students must complete the required tasks in their individual program and qualify for certificate of competency.
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