The primary purpose of Programs of Study is to provide successful student transitions between secondary and postsecondary education. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 called upon states and local education agencies to create secondary-to-postsecondary sequences of academic and career
education coursework that lead students to attain a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized certificate or credential. At a minimum, Programs of Study must:

• incorporate and align secondary and postsecondary education elements;
• include academic and CTE content in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses;offer the opportunity, where appropriate, for secondary students to acquire postsecondary credits; and
• lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the postsecondary level, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Why

• Smoother transitions for students as they move from secondary to postsecondary education and into the workforce. This helps students avoid pitfalls that tend to derail their career plans, waste tuition money and frustrate their parents.
• Opportunities for teachers at all levels and subjects to collaborate on curriculum, methods and desired outcomes of instruction. The process empowers teachers by allowing them to design effective and efficient instruction that helps their students achieve their goals.
• Students who have goals and a plan to achieve them are more invested and motivated in their studies.

How

The development of Programs of Study is a collaborative effort among schools and colleges to seamlessly coordinate classroom instruction and support experiences and activities for a particular career cluster or pathway, which includes career and technical student organizations, career development and guidance, and community participation. It is built upon a curriculum that addresses cluster/pathway knowledge and skills, as
well as national and state academic standards.  Development of Programs of Study can be accomplished by:

• Contacting your Tech Prep Coordinator for assistance.
• Utilizing the 10-Step Process to Implement Programs of Study in Missouri.
• Reviewing and completing the appropriate Programs of Study Implementation Modules.

Who

Who should be involved in the process?

• District curriculum directors
• Career education directors
• Career education teachers
• High school principals
• Academic teachers
• Guidance counselors
• Community college faculty and administrators