In some sites, students choose a program of study that extends through a community college occupational program. In other sites, the programs of study encompass only high school courses. Degree of Emphasis on Adherence to Program. Some programs of study are treated as individualized plans that are meant to be carried out. In other sites, they are only suggestions of courses relevant to a career direction, and students' actual courses commonly deviate from the suggested sequence.
Guidance counselors use programs of study in different ways.
In some sites, they offer students preprinted charts showing available programs, and students consciously choose one. In other sites, counselors use defined programs of study as guides for themselves but do not review them with students. Some consortia specify all academic and vocational courses for programs of study, while others include only a vocational course sequence and applied academics classes. In some sites that include applied academics courses in all defined programs of study, the only distinction may be which vocational course a student takes. Variations in programs of study reflect consortium leaders' views of their purpose.