Also, federal Tech Prep programs augment schools' career programs by encouraging collaboration between public school districts and higher education institutions. Tech Prep programs allow students to earn high school and college credit for Career and Technology courses, encouraging their movement into higher education while providing them with marketable skills. Once accepted at Stilwell, students take courses for a half-day and either attend classes at their home school or work at jobs related to their vocational curriculum for the remainder of the day. Stilwell Center Staff Interviews, 1997-98. Stilwell Enrollment Data, 1994-1997.
Guidance counselors play a large role in student placement in vocational education programs.
District administrators and guidance counselors point to a lack of leadership at the district level as the reason for inconsistent goals in the guidance program, and in particular an insufficient focus on career development. This information could be used to help determine the goals, objectives, content, activities, and assessments necessary for a comprehensive guidance program. In many guidance programs around the state, students at the elementary and middle school level have opportunities to participate in career awareness and investigation activities, so that when they reach high school level they are capable of making informed decisions about their career goals. Guidance counselors in these programs typically assist in implementing the career curriculum and support teachers in career development activities . Increase coordination of the guidance program and develop a comprehensive guidance plan containing a strong career development component.