Technology literacy drives student success at Maxwell High School of Technology

     The Automotive Repair pathway at Maxwell High School of Technology is launching students into high-tech careers, with the newest cars on the market. Thinking of that “shop class” that was once well-known in previous high school days? This Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) accredited pathway features exposure to advanced vehicle technology, onboard programming, and system diagnostics… all the right tools that can drive GCPS students towards bright futures in the automotive industry.

     “Our students spend more time with a laptop than a wrench,” says Automotive Instructor Max Chavez. “I love what we do here, and our students come from all walks of life and abilities. We use computer programs that are also available in different languages, and the students ask questions that help them develop troubleshooting trees.”

     The General Automotive Technology instructors (Chavez, Ervin Cruz, and Kyle Formella) at Maxwell HS of Technology are all ASE Certified Master Technicians. Their experience provides an accurate, real-world view of what students will see in their careers. In the automotive service area at any dealership or auto repair outlet, the demand is high for technology-literate, entry-level technicians. For students, it starts, Chavez says, with “the desire at wanting to succeed at solving a problem.”

     “I teach problem-solving skills, then the students use what works for them,” he adds. “They learn from the question, ‘how did you solve the problem’, and create their own written diagnosis. If they can explain that process, then they can teach it to someone else. When they work in dealerships, students have to talk to customers and build trust, learn how to care for the vehicles, keep them clean, and even how to disassemble them properly. It involves an entire problem-solving schematic. We talk about this program as a career, and the skills students gain here can help them be successful.”