Parents
What is Tech Prep?
Tech Prep is a broad
based reform founded in the early 1990’s. The increasing use of technology in
today's workplace requires the application of both academic and technical
skills. Tech Prep answers that call with a purpose to prepare ANY student to
enter and succeed in a chosen career through applied academics and workbased
learning.
Why should my student be involved?
Becoming involved in a Tech Prep program can help your student succeed with life goals and career goals by combining "head skills" (applied academics) with "hand skills" (work-based learning) in their high school learning experience!
How does
it work?
Tech Prep partners with
independent school districts, colleges and universities, business and industry,
and community entities to provide college prep technical programs, career
development, and work-based learning experiences. Tech Prep keeps students
engaged in high school and often continuing into post-secondary education with
the direction and motivation needed to succeed. Tech Prep provides students with
choices through individualized programs that provide a meaningful, applicable,
educational experience.
Technology school narrows opportunities, right?
Absolutely not!! In many cases it might enhance your ability to attend a 4 year college or university. There are many opportunities for you to even earn college credit while you are still in high school! The majority of new jobs require technical preparation and postsecondary education, but not necessarily a four-year degree.
What are Career Clusters?
Career Clusters are occupations/careers that are grouped because many of the people in them share similar interests & strengths. All clusters include a variety of occupations that require different levels of education and training. Selecting a career cluster provides you with an area of focus along with flexibility and a variety of ideas.
To look at the various Career Clusters and learn more about them, click here…
Career clusters are for all students. By selecting a career cluster, you can prepare for the future, regardless of your interests, talents, or desired level of education. Deciding on a career cluster can help you prepare for your future. The intent is not for you to decide on a specific occupation for the rest of your life, but to select a career cluster into which you can begin directing your energies.
How can I help?
Tech Prep and Career Clusters provide a focus for discussing career opportunities with your student. Concentrating on selecting a career path can enable students to make an initial career decision. You can help by…
Helping your student identify interests, abilities, and talents by discussing the strengths that you see in him or her.
Sharing information with him or her about careers and your work experience.
Arranging for your student to talk with people you know about careers that are of interest to him or her.
PLANS OF STUDY
After deciding on a Career Cluster that interest you and exploring the Pathways or options in that cluster that might be a good fit for you, it is important to be sure you’re well prepared academically and technically…you’ve got to have a PLAN!!!
It is very important that you work with your parents, counselor, and teachers to develop a plan of study where you identify the "head skills" you’ll want to be successful!
Go back to the Career Clusters link, click on the Cluster you want to investigate further, and look at the plan of study for that cluster…what a great way to prepare well for success in life!!!
Explore/PLAN
The EXPLORE® program is designed to help 8th graders explore a broad range of options for their future.
EXPLORE prepares students not only for their high school coursework, but for their post–high school choices as well. It marks an important beginning for a student's future academic and career success. Oklahoma students take the
Oklahoma students take the PLAN test in their 10th grade year.
The program helps build a solid foundation for future academic and career success and provides information needed to address school districts' high-priority issues. It is a comprehensive guidance resource that helps students measure their current academic development, explore career/training options, and make plans for the remaining years of high school and post-graduation years. Typically, PLAN is administered in the fall of the sophomore year.
Oklahoma Career Ready Certificate
Students who obtain Oklahoma's Career Ready Certificate have an edge on other job applicants for the higher paying positions in business and industry. Technology centers and partner agencies using KeyTrain for instruction and WorkKeys for credentialing are already seeing results.
Designed by ACT, the company that developed the ACT Assessment college entrance exam, WorkKeys measures communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills valuable to any occupation—skilled or professional—and at any level of education.
Individuals’ assessments and scores will be recorded and housed in a secure database. Depending on their scores, potential or incumbent employees will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze Oklahoma Career Readiness Certificate.
These portable skills credentials, which are easily and nationally recognized, can be used to facilitate job placement, retention, and advancement in our mobile society.
More info...
Emerging Tech Prep Models: Promising Approaches to Educational Reform
