It is a new way of educating, not a new name for vocational education, she emphasizes. Tech Prep includes a yearlong Career Discovery for 7th graders, the 8th grade Computer Discovery, a year for 9th graders on Technology Discovery, and Career Planning throughout grades 7-12. Fifteen school districts were part of the pilot program, which was launched three years ago. The goal is to transform the educational process. Tech Prep emphasizes cooperative learning and applied academics.
Theories become skills.
Students become better problem-solvers. Expectations of all students are raised. The process also places new demands on teachers. With students introduced to subjects ranging from desktop publishing to robotics technology, teachers must be ahead of the learning curve in technical abilities. Classrooms become problem-centered, with students actively engaged in the learning process.