EOCT/Certification for CTAE?

We are gearing up for End of the course testing with all core subjects in about two weeks. All classes will be on block scheduling beginning on April 23 thru May 04. Will CTAE programs ever be mandated to use EOCT or some other type of testing measurement towards certification? I think some type of skill testing should be required before students can proceed to intermediate and advance level courses. End of the course testing or some type of multiple phase certification testing will help CTAE programs our assist students to move closer towards industry certification in their respective areas. What a minute. Are we supposed to be getting our students certified? Or, are we preparing our students for career exploration and Tech Prep.
While attending one of our articulation meetings last week, we were informed that Tech Prep funding faced reductions. These reductions will affect many CTAE programs across the State. I also believe these reductions stem from the inability of programs to provide concrete evidence of assisting students’ transition to the workforce. The true benefit for our programs might be providing an industry certification with an EOCT at the completion on the program. An EOCT and certification test could help prepare the committed student with an opportunity enter straight into the workforce with all the proper credentials
EOCT with CTAE courses will provide administrators and state coordinators valuable feedback to better plan for various programs.
It was jus a thought.