There are some who questions whether Tech Prep significantly differs from vocational education. Some want high schools to reorganize themselves offering students only a college prep or tech prep course of study. The curriculum is articulated between the high schools and community colleges to eliminate duplication and ensure a well sequenced order of skill acquisition. One of the criticisms of Tech Prep has been that neither the curriculum in the high school or community college has changed to reflect the current work place. There is a major focus on teaching math, science and communication to be both applied and contextual.
Instruction is still classroom oriented.
Most of the occupational skills are taught in the laboratory setting. There is a strong push to try to integrate what happens in the academic classroom with activities in the occupational labs. In the occupational labs there is more use of assessment of work samples and projects. There is still a heavy use of traditional tests and grades. There is generally no assessment from the work place though the intent of the program is to prepare students for entry into employment.