WIXLIB

NORTHWEST CONSORTIUM OF MISSOURI3200 BroaawayKansas City Missouri 6411.!816,759 1000FAX .816 759.1158NEWSLETTER1, B2 2 (2 2 2 ?)What is the question? 2 2 or 2 2 2?Does it make a difference? What do youFederal law requires 2 2 whichmean?includes the high school junior and senioryears plus the college freshman andsophomore years. Can other structures betried?2 2 PURPOSEEliminate duplication between classes atthe high school and college level.2. Make the transition between high schooland college smooth and seamless rather thanan abrupt change or with duplication.1.3. Create a mind set where high schoolgraduation is one of many steps along the wayto further education, bdcoming ready for work,and preparation for lifelong learning.RITERIA FOR DEVELOPMTWhen deciding what goes into a 2 2program, the answer comes primarily frombusiness. The selection will be driven by theoccupations in our region that will be indemand 3 to 5 years down the road.These selections will not necessarily beIndividual businesses employingobvious.many people today may not exist in a fewyears, and entrepreneurs of today in "mom &pop" shops may have huge growth in thefuture. Nevertheless, surveys from labor andbusiness indicate significant growth in theareas of business, health, and technologyrelated jobs. Tech Prep can prepare studentsfor each of these areas.CURRICULUMWHO PARTICIPATESFederal law (Perkins-II) requires that TechPrep provide juniors and seniors two years offurther educational opportunities. Typically thismeans a local high school and a communitycollege will sign a formal agreement to"articulate" classroom work from one to theother.What must the student be able to do whenfinished with the instruction? Curriculum willinclude the technical skills, communicationsskills (technical reading and writing, speakingand listening), math, and science.For 2 2, interpersonal skills and jobreadiness isas important as theareasmentioned above. Employers are demandingA high school may have these formalagreements with more than one college, justas a college will have agreements with manyhigh schools. One college may have classesworkers with the ability to work in teams toimprove quality and productivity.COLLEGE CREDITand programs in certain areas, but not inothers. For a high school needing Tech PrepSomeoftheclassestakenatthein many programs, more than one post-secondary level may receive college credit.secondary institution may become involved.PecentMissourilegislationoffersmore

1,opportunities tor dual credit than ever before.Dual credit for Tech Prep classes canencourage student participation. While collegecredit may or may not be available tosecondary students, the criteria for completionof Tech Prepisset by the businessesB - page 2WHAT ABOUT 2 2 2 (4 2)After reviewing the necessary knowledge,and behaviors required in mostemployment, many educators wonder how allskills,this can be taught in just four years (2 2).(customers) who will employ (purchase) ourOne alternative is to start earlier.students (products). The ultimate goal of TechPrep is effective, productive members ofsociety capable of continually improvingthemselves.Most schools are becoming aware thatstudents must be technologically literate.Computer and keyboarding skills are beingLENGTH OF PROGRAMtaught in earlier and earlier years. If too muchcurriculum exists for starting Tech Prep in the11th grade, then some basics must beThe law stipulates a term of two years pasthigh school graduation. However, provisionsexist for Tech Prep to include apprenticeship.Also, knowledge in "all aspects of the industry"included in the earlier years. This is where theidea of a two year preparation for Tech Prepare required as part of the basic Perkinslegislation. Opportunities for work experiencesand connecting activities can be a significantand vital part of the curricula.However, just pushing some skills to lowergrades isn't the final answer. A complete andobjective analysis of what is needed and notneeded in a school curriculum must occur.PROGRAM COMPLETIONOR IS IT 2 2 2 (2 4)Students will complete Tech Prep 2 2 withan associate degree or in some circumstancesa certificate. Many colleges are now awardingthe Tech Prep Associate Degree (TPAD). Thedegree will have a specialization in a specificarea (e.g., business accounting or radiationtechnician). Students choosing to complete acertificate first will be able to return tocomplete a degree in many cases.With significant input from business at thestart (of Tech Prep) and continuinginvolvement, the Tech Prep Associate Degreewill become a recognizable standard within thebusiness comrriunity. Unlike the high schooidiploma, TPAD 2 2 can offer both theprospective employer and the prospectiveemployee some assurance. An employer willknow more about a TPAD applicant.applicantThewill know more about whatexpected on the job. Both win.isdeveloped (i.e. 2 2 2).Once a complete Tech Prep curriculum isdeveloped from the 11th through the 14thgrades, the next logical question is, "Can thisstudent continue?" The answer can be, "Yesl"The Tech Prep Associate Degreeisacademically the equivalent of other associatedegrees.Therefore, those receiving thisdegree may transfer to baccalaureate degreeinstitutions as well. Some may call this "2 4".USE OF TECH PREP FUNDSMissouri's interpretation of the Tech Preplegislation limits the use of Tech Prep funds.The money may be used forin-serviceactivities and program coordination affe,lingthe last two years of high school and tho firsttwo years of college. Funds may also be usedfor curriculum development. Remember keepgood records!Coordinated by the Metropolitan Community Colleges tor the Northwest Missouri Tech Prop ConsortiumJim Everett, Editor

NORTHWEST CONSORTIUM OF MISSOURI3200 BroadwayKansas Cly Missour, 64.11.816 J759-1000FAX ,816,759.1158NE W SLETTER1, CDEFINITIONS & RESOURCESBuzz words and abbreviations have alwaysbeen a part of education. Tech Prep hasformed or is associated with many terms,the concepts areclassroom activities.employedintheAAS - Associate of Applied Science, theArticulation Agreement - a document linkingtwo or more educational systems within aregion to help students make a smoothtransition from one level to another withouttraditional technical degree of communityexperiencing delays, duplication of courses,colleges.or loss of creditideas, and resources.AB/C (CORD) - Applications in Biology andChemistry, an in-context course teachingcritical concepts identified by business andindustry. This course uses lab and otherexperiences to show how the interaction ofbiological and chemical activities affectproduction, services, and our lives.AIT - Agency for Instructional Technology,Box A, Bloomington, IN 464021-800-457-4509Applied Communications (AIT) - an in-contextcourse building concrete skills in the critica'areas often excluded in a traditionalThese skillslanguage-arts curricula.include reading and writing for specificinformation, for critical analysis, and forevaluation; listening and speaking forinformation, and effective interaction.Applied Math (CORD), an in-context coursedeveloped through cooperation with theNational Council of Teachers ofThe conceptsMathematics (NCTM).taught are equal to those taught inHowever,traditional Algebra classes.authentic examples and genuine uses ofCORD - Center for Occupational Research andDevelopment, P 0 Box 21206, Waco, TX76702-1206 (1-800-231-3015).Hull, Dan - co-author Tech Prep/AssociateDegree: A Win/Win Experience (availablethrough CORD).In-Context - The type of instruction forfunctional use, emphasized in Tech Prep,and based on educational research. Amethod of instruction where information tobe learned is provided as solutions to bonafide, concrete situations and problems.Lifelong Learning - the responsibility of everycitizen in today's global economy. Basicskills such as technical reading and writing,math, physics, problem-solving, teamparticipation, and quality assurance arepre-requisites. Many of these skills are nota part of typical school curricula.NCRVE - National Center for Research inVocational Education, Materials DistributionService, Western Illinois University,46 Horrabin Hall, Macomb, IL 61455;1-800-637-7652

1, C - page 2OBE - Outcomes Based Education - a methodofeducationalassessmentincorporates authentic evaluationstudent's abilities and skills.thatSCANS-EDUCATIONAL COMPETENCIES:of aResources--allocatingIts basictime,moneymaterials, space, and staff;Interpersonal Skills--working on teams,teaching others, serving customers,tenets include:1) ALL STUDENTS CAN LEARN,2) SUCCESS BREEDS SUCCESS,leading, negotiating, and working wellwith people from culturally diversebackgrounds;3) SCHOOLS CONTROL THE CUMATEOF THAT SUCCESS.Informationacquiring and evaluating data,organizingand maintaining files,interpreting and communicating, andusing computers to process informationParnell, Dale - the author of The NeglectedMajority, and co-author of TechPrep/Associate Degree: A Win/WinExperience (both available through CORD).Pedrotti, Leno - Editor of P.T. (Principles ofTech Prep programs are those placed jointly insecondary and postsecondary and:Technology), Senior Vice-President, CORD.a) run parallel with, not replacing collegeprep programs,P.T. - Principles of Technology, an in-context,applied physics course for high school levelb) combine a common core of learningstudents. The original course developedc) provide basic proficiencies in math,science, communications, andand technical education,for the purpose of demonstrating theconnections between systems.technology,d) present content "in-context" with use,e) include grades 11 through 14,0 build from basic career clusters andtechnical systems.SCANS - A report by the Secretary'sCommission on Achieving Necessary Skills.Commissioned by the Secretary of Labor,this group delivered several reports entitled,What Work Requires of Schools, Learninga Living, Skills & Tasks, and Teaching theSCANS Competencies. These reports areavailable through the U.S. Govt. PrintingOffice at 202-783-3238TPAD - Tech Prep Associate Degree, usuallythe final result of a Tech Prep articulatedcurriculum. A detailed guide is availablethrough a series of workbooks entitled commended titles include:GettingStarted in Tech Prep, and Building a TechSCANS-EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION:Basic Skills--reading, writing, arithmetic andmathematics, speaking, and listening;Thinking Skills--thinking creatively, makingdecisions, solving problems, seeingthings in the mind's eye, knowing howto learn, and reasoning;Personal Qualitiesindividual responsibility,PrepPrep Curriculum.All Resource Seriespublications are available through CORD.Workplace Readiness (Arn - a curriculumdesigned to be used in current or newclasses rather than a stand-along course.The curriculum focuses activity units usingvideo tape, video laserdisc, and/orcomputer software in the areas of ProblemSolving, Teamwork, and Self-Management.self-management, and integrity.Coordinated by the Metropolitan Community Colleges for the Northwest Missouri Tech Prep ConsortiumJim Everett, Editor.1.)

NORTHWEST CONSORTIUM OF MISSOURI3200 BroadwayKansas C.ty M:ssoun 64(816i759-1000FAX 8161759.1'5811NEWSLETTE.R1, DQUESTIONS and ANSWERSTech Prep involves a multitude of activitiesthat affect curriculum, professionaldevelopment, student outcomes, communityinterests, and business needs. The followingrepresents some of the more commonly raisedquestions, concerns, and requests.Why are we talking about Tech Prep?The education committee of the U.S. Houseof Representatives heard testimony frombusinesses asking for schools to beginchanging their curriculum so new employeeswould possess more of the skills needed in thework environment.Several models werediscussed.At the top of the list from these businesseswere some fundamental requests: workerswith technical competence combined with theability to perform in the "basics." This list ofneeds developed under the banner ofpreparation for technology or Tech Prep.Does Missouri support Tech Prep?TheDepartmentofElementaryandWho teaches Toch Prep'?Remember, Tech Prep is not a class anymore than College Prep is a class. Both are asequence of courses designed to placestudents in postsecondary education followinggraduation from high school.All studentsshould one day become productive membersof society.Successful teachers of Tech Prep classesinclude innovative academic teachers frommath, science, and English backgrounds aswell as innovative vocational instructors.However, the methods of classroom instructionwill be effected as much (or more) as thecontent of the course. Using the bestresearch available on "brain based" learning,Tech Prep places an emphasis on validcontent (context based curricula) delivery.What Is "context based" curricula?Contextbasedcurriculameanstheinformation or content that teachers expectstudents to master must be taught with theapplication or relevance sharply in focus.Telling students that it will be used sometime isSecondary Education (DESE) has voicednot meaningful.support through several channels. DESE'sdivisions of instruction and vocational & adultmotivates students. When students need toeducation, as well as the commissioner's officeare supporting Tech Prep. As Missouri movesforward with statewide school improvementefforts, the Tech Prep methodology will be aresource for schools to implement importantschool improvement.Tech Prep is an improvement in classroommethods as much as it is a change in content.Using or discussing thecontext in which information will be usedaccomplish a "real" task or solve a "real"problem, then "real" information and skills arelearned and meaningfully applied to the task.Teachers need to ask themselves, "Do Iknow where this is really used outside theclassroom walls? If the answer is anything buta clear YES, the teacher must 1) find outTech Prep can be an important source ofwhere and how it is used, then convey thatinformation to the students, or 2) drop theprofessional development resources.information or skill from the curriculum.

1, D page 2Does Tech Prep affect a person going tocollege?YES, it helps! Tech Prep will help ensurethat more students are capable of enteringcollege without having to take developmentalclasses (classes that do not count toward adegree). This is accomplished by articulating11-12-13-14 through committeescomposed of secondary and postsecondaryfaculty members. Tech Prep in high school ispreparation for postsecondary education:college, certification, apprenticeship, etc. ThegradesWhat are the results of Tech Prep?One example is in Richmond, NC whereTech Prep has been a part of the curriculumfor over 5 years. They report increases inmath SAT scores, increased enrollment inhigher level math classes, and lower drop-outRichmono and other schools alsoreport more students taking postsecondaryeducation classes as a natural extension ofrates.their high school graduation.Some good data have been collected injointlystates associated with the Southern RegionalEducation Board (SREB). Schools within thisAre Tech Prep courses watered-down?NOITech Prep courses are rigorous,organization report significant and positiveaffects on secondary students: increasedretention (decreased drop-out rates), higherassessment scores, and greater collegeTech Prep legislationdeveloped curriculum.requiresaacademic, and functional. Further, some TechPrep high school courses may provide dual-success among others.enrollment opportunities for the high schoolThe curriculum is cooperativelystudent.developed by high school and college faculty.Vigorous course standards are maintained.Remember:With Tech Prep, high school is no longer atermination point for students. SecondaryTech Prep schools use curricula that place"in-context" the usefulness of math, science,and communications skills. They are reportingStudents are able togood success.demonstrate significant capabilities.further education after their senior year. Highschool graduation is important, but it is justone step along the way to a more completestudents see and respond to the need foreducation, a good career, and a lifetime oflearning.Can a student change from Tech Prep toCollege Prep?YESI And, a student can change fromCollege Prep to Tech Prep. The classes usedin Tech Prep are demanding. For example,one of the classes, Principles of Technology,isaccepted as a lab-science course forFurther information can be received fromthe information listed in the "RESOURCES"newsletter, 1C. In addition, Richmond, NC andSREB can provide further information throughthe addresses below.admission to such schools as NorthwesternUniversity,University,MIT, Georgia Tech, Baylorall Kansas Universities andColleges, and many Missouri universities andcolleges including the University of Missouri-NC Tech Prep Leadership Development CenterBox 1189Hamlet, NC 28345919/582-7187Rolla.This acceptance of courses meansstudents have a high degree of flexibility duringtheir high school years.Of course nocurriculum can be all things to all people.Southern Regional Education Board592 Tenth Street, NWAtlanta, GA 30318404/876-9211Coordinated by the Metropolitan Community Colleges for the Northwest Missouri Tech Prop ConsortiumJim Everett, Editor

NORTHWEST CONSORTIUM OF MISSOURI3200 BroadwayKansas C., M816.759 1000FAX 3'6 -5.:.:NEWSLETTE.R1, ETECH PREP / COLLEGE PREPEducational reform is an on-going process.No matter what educators decide to do--orhow to do it--some person or group willgenerate suggestions for how it could be donebetter. All of the efforts have as their goal tocreate a better educated population.THE COMPETITIONWhereas in the past we have consideredOUR STATUSOne of the pioneering influences of TechPrep was Dale Parnell, who identified a groupof students to whom he referred as "theneglected majority." Parnell noted that fewerthan a quarter of high school students were inthe high school College Prep track, and fewerthan a quarter of tne students wereinthe education of Americans in an isolatedvocational education; this translated intohaving a majority of the high school populationwe must now consider otherindustrialized nations. We are increasinglyresiding in the educational wasteland of thegeneral track.sense,finding ourselves in a globally competitiveenvironment where the export/import of jobsskilled workers is becoming asal ,dcommonplace as the export/import ofproducts. This point was addressed recentlyin Fortune magazine:'A fundamental shift is under way in how and wherethe worid's work gets donewith potentially ominousconsequences for wealthy, Industrialized nations. Thekey to this change: the emergence of a truly globallabor force, talent0d and capable of accomplishing justabout anything, anywhere. . . . 'The average Americandoesn't realize that there Is a truly competitive workforce out there that is vying for their jobs. The rest ofthe world ls catching up.'TechTHE RESPONSEPrep's intent is tocoordinatedWHY MORE THAN COLLEGE PREP?The Tech Prep secondary curriculumincludes the content of the College Prepcurriculum. If this is the case, one might askwhy a track other than college prep is needed.In Tech Prep, the tracks don't exist. Careerpathways provide opportunities for success atmultiple points. Each career pathway includespreparation for college and other entry pointsto employment careers.Real growth in the labor market is in fieldsthat require advanced skills and technicaltraining with or without a baccalaureatedegree. Career paths prepare all students.createasecondary/pos

NORTHWEST CONSORTIUM OF MISSOURI 3200 Broadway Kansas City. Missouri 64111 (816)759-1000. FAX (8161759-1158. s. NEWSLETTER. 1, A. CONCE. WELCOME to the Northwest Missouri Tech