Pre-Technical Studies Program

Ninth grade students face challenges and changes, excitement and apprehension as they enter young adulthood and begin to seriously consider their future. Students who have difficulty at this time sometimes become disengaged from the learning process, which can lead to their dropping out. Such students need something different.

To meet their needs, the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School has developed Pre-Technical Studies, an exciting new option for incoming 9th graders at the Albany campus beginning in Fall 2008.

This half-day, Regents-based program will combine hands-on career education and exploration with team-taught, integrated academics and support from guidance, social workers and student management staff.

Pre-Technical Studies aims to energize students' desire to learn and succeed while inspiring them to map out their educational and career future. Students will explore the 16 National Career Clusters, using a project-based learning approach, through Career and Technical Education programs, focused study and work- and community-based learning experiences. They also will be engaged in community service. Each student's efforts will culminate in a personal 10-year learning and career plan.

Pre-Technical Studies students will not be moving from one 40-minute subject to another during the school day. Rather, they will participate in one, fully integrated, project-based and technology-infused learning environment aligned to New York State Standards.

They will build 21st Century skills in teamwork, collaboration and use of technology. Students will also benefit from Academic Intervention Services (AIS) in Study Skills or English/Language Arts.

SCHEDULE & CREDITS
Pre-Technical Studies students will attend the Career & Technical School for either the a.m. (8:10-10:34 a.m.) or p.m. (11:10 a.m. - 1:34 p.m.) session. Upon successful completion of the program, students will earn credits for the following 9th grade subjects:

English - 1 credit

Social Studies - 1 credit

Design and Drawing for Production (art or technology       credit) - 1 credit

CTE elective (Pre-Technical Studies) - 1 credit

The remainder of each student's 9th grade classes will be completed in their home school district.

21ST CENTURY SKILLS
Pre-Technical Studies staff and students will engage in team building activities to improve motivation and behavior in the classroom, enhancing the educational experience for all. Students will build their skills in communication and use of technology.

THE 10-YEAR PLAN
Pre-Technical Studies students will develop a 10-year plan that outlines career, educational and life goals and the pathways they must follow to achieve them. Students examine each of the 16 National Career Clusters and the many opportunities they present. Students will research careers and survey and shadow on-the-job professionals to learn about salary, benefits and lifestyle afforded by various careers, in conjunction with studying their own wants, needs and personal goals.

Students will then research specific careers, selecting four (one per quarter) to study in-depth during the school year. Each student's 10-year plan will identify high school and post-secondary education and training, community service, afterschool and related activities and experience needed to attain each of the four careers. The 10-year plan will form the foundation for each student's educational and career choices.

THE 16 NATIONAL CAREER CLUSTERS|
Agricultural & Natural Resources

Arts, Audio, Video, Technical & Communication

Business & Administrative

Construction

Education & Training

Finance

Government & Public Administration

Health

Hospitality & Tourism

Human Services

Information Technology

Legal & Protective Services

Manufacturing

Marketing, Sales & Services

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

PRE-TECH PROGRAM GOALS
We are expecting to see the following indicators of student success that have been evident in programs similar to Pre-Technical Studies across the country:

Increased student motivation

Increase student satisfaction with school experience

Improved attendance and GPA

Increased number of students with clearly articulated career plans communicated to parents and guidance counselors

[updated 1.11.08]