Career Clusters, Pathways and

Personal Plans of Study

An Overview

Objectives

Overview of Career Clusters Benefits of Career Clusters

Career Clusters

A Model That . . .

PREPARESPREPARES students for a broad range of career options

CONNECTSCONNECTS what is learned in school to what is needed for success in college and careers, thus helping to motivate students

Sources: National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (2004)Missouri Department of Higher Education

Overall, 36.4%36.4% of Missouri students take remedial courses in college

Of those -

• 78.9% are students at two-year institutions

• 21.1% are students at four-year institutions

Source: Missouri Department of Higher Education 2007 Missouri High School Graduates Performance Report

Replaces Remediation With Rigor and RelevanceWhy?

Defining Career ClusterFramework Elements

Career Path

Career Cluster

Career Pathway

Program of Study

Plan of Study

Tying It All Together

Elementary - Career Awareness

PATHS

Tying It All Together

Intermediate & Middle SchoolCareer ExplorationCareer Exploration

PATHS & CLUSTERS

Tying It All Together

High School

Career Preparation and Application

5 Pathways within Health Science:

Therapeutic ServicesDiagnostic ServicesHealth Informatics Support Services

Biotechnology Research & Development

CLUSTER

&

PATHWAYS

Career Cluster Model Knowledge & Skills

This level shows the knowledge and skills

needed.

Knowledge and Skills

Academics Communications Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Information Technology Technical Skills Leadership & Teamwork Safety, Health & Environment Ethics & Legal Responsibilities Employability & Career Development

Career Cluster Model Pathways

There are three Pathways in this Career Cluster. (certificates and

degrees)

Career Cluster Model Occupations

The third level shows occupations of that Cluster

Pathway.

Aligning Opportunities

The Big Picture

Personal Plans

MSIP 6.9.3

An individual planning system is in place.

Personal Plan of Study (sample)

Personal Plan of Study (page 2)

Strategies

Learning should be student centered Use a variety of instructional strategies (Rigor) Make Connections (Relevance) Teach with Relationships in Mind Involve community members to offer first-hand

opportunities for students to see how their studies can impact their future lives

Bridge the Gap between Career and Technical Education and academic teachers

How Career Clusters Benefit Students?

MotivatesMotivates them to take rigorous courses.Increases their awarenesawareness of

opportunities in the career field.Helps them to make a connectionconnection

between school and work.OrganizesOrganizes their coursework with a focusfocus.PersonalizesPersonalizes their school environment.

Career Clusters Benefits

Educators SchoolsParentsPostsecondaryCounselorsEmployers and Industry Groups

Career Development Becomes a Lifelong Process

PAST PRESENT/FUTURE

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION CAREER EDUCATION

For Some Students For All Students

For a Few Jobs For All Careers

6 to 7 “Program Areas” 6 Career Paths

16 Clusters 79 Pathways

In Lieu of AcademicsAligns to and Supports Rigorous

Academics

High School FocusedHigh School, College and Business

& Industry Partnerships

For more information

www.mcce.orgwww.career clusters.orgwww.missouriconnections.orgwww.dhe.mo.govwww.dese.mo.govwww.missourieconomy.org