Using the budget, location, and company profile, students develop the proposal from start to finish. Student activities include determination of building specifications based on location and company profile, a title search to ensure that property is available for construction, preparation of working drawings, an environmental impact study, writing the proposal, and presentation of the proposal to a judging committee. At Roosevelt Renaissance High School in Portland, Oregon, career pathway teams created four-year curricula for each of six distinct pathways. These teams continue to work on integrating basic skills instruction into the pathways. Each of the Roosevelt curricula initially focus on building a solid foundation of academic skills while instilling responsibility, self-esteem, and work ethics.
Teachers incorporate applied learning techniques within reading, writing, and math classes.
The relevance of class work is underscored by constant demonstrations of the connections between school and work. A variety of teaching methods and classroom activities, including hands-on projects and student portfolios, encourages the development of teamwork, problem solving, critical thinking, and communications skills. As students explore career options, the curricula provide career information, planning, and guidance for all students. Integrated curricula in math, science, English, social studies, and health encourage students as individuals and in teams to apply the knowledge acquired in a discipline to interdisciplinary projects and internships. In addition, all students are expected to complete practica that engage them as positive agents of change, applying newly acquired academic and technical skills in their own communities.