The Dalton Academy’s Law and Public Safety Pathway recently earned industry certification under the guidance of teacher Ken Wiggins.
Industry certification standards for Law and Public Safety are developed collaboratively by the Georgia Department of Education Program Specialists and the state-level business association Law and Public Safety Education Network.
“We are excited and pleased that our Law and Public Safety pathway is industry certified,” Deputy Superintendent Wiley Dailey said. “Industry certification says to potential employers that our students will make productive employees and that these students have received a meaningful public education in Dalton Public Schools. We are so proud of the work that Ken Wiggins and his students have done to accomplish this task. He has been a true pioneer of the process of industry certification and has led the way for other pathways to get industry certification at The Dalton Academy.”
When a program becomes industry certified, it has received a “stamp of excellence” which represents the apex of program quality. Only programs that have successfully undergone a rigorous review by leaders from business and industry are recognized with this distinction.
Industry certified pathways are reviewed yearly and must reapply every five years to maintain industry certification.
The committee, which consists of Georgia Department of Education Program Specialists and the Law and Public Safety Education Network (LAPSEN), tasked with reviewing The Dalton Academy’s law and public safety pathway praised the program by saying, “The Dalton Academy law and justice program is an outstanding example of excellence in Career Technical Education (CTE).”
Additionally, they praised Wiggins for his ability to create an intentional curriculum and develop lasting relationships with students.
“Ken Wiggins is the consummate CTE educator,” the committee said. “He blends relationships with rigor and relevance. He builds strong, personal relationships with his students that help students believe in themselves.”
Wiggins said the honor was entirely his to lead this program into industry certification during The Dalton Academy’s inaugural year.
“I am honored by this recognition and extremely grateful for the opportunities and support I have received from Dalton Public Schools and my school leadership,” Wiggins said. “From my first day as a teacher, I have endeavored to be a lifelong learner. I have always worked to enhance the students' experience and help them grow to reach their full potential. industry certification, for me, is the next step in that process.”
This formal process strengthens all program components by encouraging the use of state-of-the-art equipment, in-depth, project-based instruction in all curriculum and student organizations which help the development of leadership skills.
Students participating in the program are ensured high-quality instruction and a curriculum that aligns with current industry standards. In the future, the education and experiences they receive in this program will give them a better chance at finding meaningful work in their chosen field.
“I am excited because I know what this means for our school, program and students,” Wiggins said. “I will continue to work for my students and their success.”
To learn more about Georgia’s industry certification standards, visit the Georgia Department of Education website.
