FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Feb. 4, 2021

CONTACT: Mary Stadick Smith, South Dakota Department of Education, 605-773-7228, mary.stadicksmith@state.sd.us or

Ruth Raveling, South Dakota Department of Education, 605-773-2593, ruth.raveling@state.sd.us

Students visit Pierre for CTSO Legislative Shadow Day

PIERRE, S.D. – February is National Career and Technical Education Month. As part of the celebration, 34 student leaders came to Pierre Feb. 3, for the South Dakota Career and Technical Student Organizations’ Legislative Shadow Day. Students shadowed legislators at committee meetings and observed House and Senate floor sessions.

“Career and technical education provides students hands-on learning opportunities, which can set them on the path to high-demand careers,” said Secretary of Education Tiffany Sanderson. “Career and technical student organizations take classroom learning a step further, giving students the chance to connect with peers across the state, develop leadership skills, and learn the importance of community service.”

Students representing the following CTSOs attended this year’s event: Educators Rising; Future Business Leaders of America; Family, Career and Community Leaders of America; FFA; SD HOSA, a group for students interested in health sciences; and SkillsUSA, an association of trade, technology, and health occupation students.

By participating in CTSOs, students can apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom through competitive events; develop leadership and employability skills; and serve their communities.

Career and technical education seeks to equip students with core academic skills and the ability to apply those skills for careers and life. CTE emphasizes employability skills like critical thinking, responsibility, and technical skills related to specific career pathways.

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