Career Clusters and Career Pathways So Whats Next

Career Clusters and Career Pathways: So What’s Next? ? ? Ann Benson gben@brightok. net

Essential Question: What does the work on Plans of Study mean for us in our states and schools?

NEW DEFINITION

THEN Vocational Education NOW Career and Technical Education For a Few Students For All Students For a Few “Jobs” For All “Careers” 6 to 7 “Program Areas” In-lieu of Academics 16 Clusters – 81 Pathways Aligns/Supports Academics High School Focused High School and College Partnerships

How are We Doing? What is the Problem?

2006 HSTW CTE Students: Percentage Meeting Reading Performance Goal-279

2006 HSTW CTE Students: Percentage Meeting Mathematics Performance Goal-297

2006 HSTW CTE Students: Percentage Meeting Science Performance Goal-299

2006 HSTW CTE Students: Percentage Having Intensive Science Experiences

2006 HSTW CTE Students: Percentage Having Intensive Work-based Learning Experiences

Okay, Now What? Some Recommendations. . . n n n Link Career Technical instruction to a career theme Strengthen the senior year Make sure instruction relates to the students’ career interests and aspirations

More Recommendations. . . n n n Link instruction to careers and postsecondary education – What will the students need in 10 -15 years? Make all CTE programs more intellectually demanding- (High expectations) Make sure all students are following a plan/program of study

So where do Career Clusters fit in? What are they? n n Career Clusters are groupings of occupations and industries These groupings are used as an organizing tool for: n n n Curriculum Design Instructional + Guidance Model Seamless Transition

What about Career Pathways? n A Career pathway represents a grouping of occupations within a cluster based on commonalities

What are the Plans of Study? n n A sequenced listing of courses, both academic and CTE/degree major, that connects student’s high school and postsecondary educational experiences A set of course descriptions for the CTE/degree major courses based on knowledge and skill statements

Our Rules for Development-POS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. POS are only samples Template is set-No Tinkering! Coursework must be rigorous enough to ensure postsecondary success Course titles are only examples CTE/degree major courses must be based on K & S statements POS are only samples

The Most Important Aspects of Career Clusters? ? ? n n Cluster Foundation Knowledge and Skills Career Pathway Knowledge and Skills

What about Local Implementation? n n n What do Plans of Study look like and how are they developed for the local level? Can I still teach all of the same courses? How will I know what to teach?

What’s Next?

If I can provide you with any assistance, please contact: Ann Benson 405 -743 -2919 office 405 -880 -5383 cell gben@brightok. net