National CTE Research Center Announces “Green” Programs of Study Technical Assistance

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--The National Research Center for Career and Technical Education and the Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE), at the U.S. Department of Education, announced the selection of five states who will receive technical assistance from the Center to establish and develop green-focused programs of study (PoS). These states include: Georgia, New Jersey, Illinois, Ohio, and Oregon.

“A program of study,” said National Research Center Director James R. Stone III. “is a systems change strategy intended to provide a more transparent connection between a students’ high school studies and postsecondary education using a career theme or focus. Supported by federal legislation, programs of study incorporate secondary and postsecondary elements in a progressive, non-duplicative curriculum that incorporates coherent and rigorous technical and academic content leading to a post-high school industry recognized credential or associate or baccalaureate degree. Programs of study should build on sound career development theory and may utilize dual or concurrent enrollment options or other strategies that will more effectively link high school and postsecondary education.”

Ivan Charner and his team from the Academy for Educational Development, a Center partner, described the technical assistance process: “The Center will engage these states in a 14-month process to develop 'green-focused' PoS. The selected State teams will participate in a three-day technical assistance academy in winter 2010 in Washington, D.C. The states will work with a facilitator to provide ongoing assistance during the term of the project along with consultation from content experts in PoS and 'green-focused' industries. At the conclusion of this initiative, the selected states will work with the National Research Center to share their best and promising practices for implementing programs of study.”

“This initiative supports the department’s renewed vision for career and technical education across the nation.” said Sharon Miller, Director of OVAE’s Division for Academic and Technical Education. “Asking these states to focus on green programs of study also supports the administration’s goal of expanding a green workforce that prepares students for the jobs of the 21^st Century.”