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ACE Conference Spotlights Updated Curriculum

By October 18, 2013January 8th, 2019No Comments

Students learn about the construction field

Experts meet at Kirkwood to discuss opportunities in building trades

Eastern Iowa high school administrators are invited to the first ever Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Conference, 8 – 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23, at The Hotel at Kirkwood Center.

The conference celebrates the regionally-designed and industry-aligned ACE curriculum, developed through collaboration between industrial technology teachers and industry leaders. “By approaching our industry partners for thoughtful input, we’ve been able to craft ACE programs that directly feed the employment needs of our area,” said Joe Greathouse, assistant professor of Construction Management at Kirkwood Community College. “There are a lot of opportunities for students in these career fields, and now our curriculum better matches available jobs.”

High school superintendents, principals, counselors, curriculum developers and related administrators should attend this conference to better understand the full scope of the ACE program, how it is industry-backed, its national certification and what that means for students, and opportunities within the industry.

“Many of our local industry leaders will be there to answer questions and provide guidance for future projects,” Greathouse said. “As these programs roll out in the 2014-15 school year, we want to be certain students find cutting edge curriculum and industry-standard experiences in the classroom.”

Speakers at the ACE Conference include: Dr. Mick Starcevich, president, Kirkwood community college; Geoff Eastburn, vice president, Ryan Construction; Kevin Wilkinson, Williamsburg Community School District; Mike Wehde, Tipton Community School District; Ryan Lebeda, assistant project manager, Knutson Construction; Mike Carson, training director, IBEW Local 405; Leslie Flynn, clinical assistant professor of STEM education, University of Iowa; Drew Retz, incoming president, Iowa Home Builders Association; Mary Lou Erlacher, director, Workplace Learning Connection; James Nelson, College Community School District; and Martin Labs, Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Event Summary:

WHAT: Architecture, Construction and Engineering Conference

WHEN: 8-11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 23

WHERE: The Hotel at Kirkwood Center

WHO: High school administrators