The Synergy of Tech Prep and ATE National Tech Prep Network NSF-ATE Preconference October 14, 2004 Daniel M. Hull President and Chief Executive Officer, CORD 601 Lake Air Drive, Waco TX Phone (254) ;

Technicians in Science, Engineering, and Technology Require Solid base of mathematics and science Systems orientation Combination of skills—interdisciplinary – ElectricalMechanical – FluidThermal – OpticalComputers/Software Strong technical base – Capable of learning new specialties as the technology changes Interpersonal/Communication skills

Why Tech Prep Needs ATE Path to High Skill/Rewarding Jobs Curriculum Content/Design Connecting High Schools with Colleges Applications of Math/Science

Why ATE Needs Tech Prep? High Schools Attracting Students to Technical Careers More High School Grads Entering Postsecondary with a Technical Focus Reduced Need for Remediation in Math and Science

What Should This Marriage Produce? Tech Prep (4+2) Curriculum Framework Technical Training for High School Faculty Dual Enrollment Opportunities More AAS Degree Technicians in Emerging Technical Occupations

Career Cluster A Grouping of Occupations According to Common Knowledge and Skills for the Purpose of Organizing Educational Programs and Curricula One of Sixteen Clusters defined by OVAE in 1999 A student interest area

Career Pathway A 4+2(+2) program of study leading to employment in an occupational field and/or continued education/training Not a “Track” to narrow student choice A Cluster will have many Career Pathways The high school portion of a Career Pathway is sufficiently broad to support postsecondary education/training for other occupations within the cluster

The High School Role  Provide context for academic achievement  Provide motivation (and desire) to remain in school  Provide a “level playing field” for students with diversified learning styles  Provide guidance for career selection and a foundation for career pursuit  Use career preparation to provide interdisciplinary problem-solving and critical thinking  Provide a basis for lifelong learning…and lifelong earning

In the New System Secondary CTE is All About Focus Foundation Context

An Example: Photonics STEP II ATE Model Curriculum Tech Prep Model in Albuquerque

The High School Component of a Tech Prep Curriculum for Photonics Technology Career Management Success Examine engineering careers & learning basic engineering technology skills Computer Applications Specific software & data acquisition for engineering technicians Introduction to Photonics Electronics Dual Credit Courses

976 Tech Prep Consortia in U.S.A. To find one near you to work with, contact: David Bond, NTPN (254) x269 Find a Tech Prep Consortium Near You