CTE ADVISOR DISCUSSION + PREPARATION GUIDE PAGE 3 3 ADVISOR PREPARATION Preparation Plan Begin with the decision you want the audience to make. SUGGESTED PREPARATION TIMELINE Timing Advisor action Student product Two to four weeks before Confirm the audience, meeting purpose, public comment rules, student permissions, transportation, accessibility, and adult supervision. A clear understanding of where the group is going and why. One to two weeks before Review the student guide, choose one primary request, gather one or two verified local facts, and assign student roles. A first draft introduction, story, request, and question. Three to seven days before Run the first mock meeting. Coach for clarity, timing, listening, body language, and accuracy. A revised message and a written follow up plan. One to two days before Run a shorter challenge round, confirm logistics, print materials, and review boundaries and safety. A confident 30 to 60 second opening and readiness for questions. Within 24 hours after Debrief, document commitments, send thanks, correct incomplete information, and assign follow up ownership. A thank you message, notes, and next action date. KNOW THE AUDIENCE • What authority does this person have: federal funding, state law or rules, district budget and programs, or employer partnership? • What CTE issue is currently before this person, committee, board, or agency? • What action is realistic now: vote, sponsor, fund, place on an agenda, request data, connect staff, or schedule a follow up? • What information can students provide that the audience may not hear elsewhere? ASSIGN MEETING ROLES • Lead student Opens, introduces the group, and states the purpose. • Story student Shares a specific classroom, lab, competition, leadership, credential, or work-based learning experience. • Policy student Connects the story to the Perkins, CTSO, state, or local request. • Question student Asks the direct question and listens for the response. • Recorder Captures names, commitments, unanswered questions, and the follow up date. PREPARATION PRINCIPLE Select students, stories, facts, questions, and logistics that support the meeting purpose without overloading it. SkillsUSA Texas Advisors | Updated September 15, 2026