CTE ADVISOR DISCUSSION + PREPARATION GUIDE PAGE 6 6 RUNNING A MOCK REPRESENTATIVE MEETING Practice Should Feel Realistic and Safe Tell students which round is for practice, which round is timed, and what feedback they will receive. RECOMMENDED 20-MINUTE PRACTICE 2 MIN Advisor explains the audience, goal, roles, and feedback focus. 5 MIN Students deliver introductions, stories, the request, and questions without interruption. 5 MIN The mock representative asks follow up and challenge questions. 4 MIN Students step out of role and reflect first. 4 MIN Advisor gives specific feedback and assigns one revision for the next round. MOCK REPRESENTATIVE QUESTION BANK •Tell me more about your CTE program and what you personally learned. •How many students are affected, and where did that number come from? •Why should this be funded when the budget has competing priorities? •What would success look like one year after adoption? •How would your request reach rural students, students with disabilities, and students whose families cannot pay? •Why is a CTSO necessary if students already receive classroom instruction? •Can Perkins pay for this, and who decides how the local grant is spent? •What evidence shows the credential or program is valued by employers? •What should happen if an internship is unpaid, unsafe, inaccessible, or too far from school? •What is the one action you want me or my staff to take next? •What question have I not asked that you want me to understand? RESPONSES TO PRACTICE KNOW: Answer briefly and return to the request. UNSURE: Promise accurate follow up. REDIRECTED: Ask who has authority. SHORT ON TIME: State the request and confirm follow up. SkillsUSA Texas Advisors | Updated September 15, 2026