The Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act provided a framework and funding for the development of an evolved approach to career technical education and envisioned the integration of applied academic courses with career and technical education through the development of career pathways. Moreover, it underscored the importance of collaboration, and directed implementation through the formation of
regional consortiums consisting of high schools, community colleges, apprenticeship programs and industry.
Seven basic program elements provided the foundation for the programs that were to be developed under Tech Prep:
- Articulation agreements
- 2 + 2 career pathways
- Integrated curricula
- Professional development for teachers
- Guidance training to counselors
- Equal program access for students who are members of special populations
- Preparatory services for students.
While these are often referred to as the seven required elements of a Tech Prep program, what has emerged over the last decade is the development of a diverse range of programs, emphasizing different program elements.
Tech Prep in California
In California, Tech Prep is jointly administered through the California Community College Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO)
and the California Department of Education (CDE) through a joint Management Team operating under a Memorandum of Understanding. At the local level, California implements Tech Prep education programs through an infrastructure of 80 local consortia that must assure attainment of established state performance indicators and measures and submit annual reports on their performance. Oversight for local consortia funding at the state level is provided by CCCCO.
Tech Prep consortia in California focus on the integration and articulation of curricular pathways among secondary and post secondary programs and provide academic and vocational preparation in an identified career pathway. Tech Prep students begin their program of study in a secondary institution and then transition into a post secondary institution to earn an advanced technical degree or certification. Career pathways are academically rigorous and provide students with not only the fundamental skills that are required for post secondary admission but also the technical skills that will enable them to have successful careers in California's new, highly technical economy.
Many Tech Prep programs are administered through a partnership with Regional Occupational Centers and Programs. A wide variety of programs are offered at numerous high school and community college campuses and Continuing Education sites.
The San Diego Community College District is home to the innovative Summer Career Institute (Project Jump Start) and has been designated as one of six distribution points positioned throughout the state to provide Tech Prep related professional development and outstanding practices and resource dissemination to Tech Prep stakeholders within San Diego, Imperial, and Riverside Counties.
Knowledge Check
What are the required elements of Tech Prep?
A. 2 + 2 career pathways, integrated curricula, professional development for teachers, guidance training to counselors, equal program access for students who are members of special populations and, preparatory services for students.
B. Integrated curricula, professional development for teachers, guidance training to counselors, equal program access for students who are members of special populations and, preparatory services for students.
C. Articulation agreements, 2 + 2 career pathways, integrated curricula, professional development for teachers, guidance training to counselors, equal program access for students who are members of special populations, and preparatory services for students.
D. Professional development for teachers, guidance training to counselors, equal program access for students who are members of special populations, and preparatory services for students.
Answer
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