Career and Technical Education
The Career and Technical Education programs prepare students for high-skill, high-wage or high-demand occupations in today’s workforce. These programs are organized into different areas of study and available to middle and high school students. Programs are organized into different career clusters (Agri-science, Business, Hospitality, Education, etc.) and are available in middle school, high school, and district technical schools. With the help of partners in education, business and industry, and trade associations, each program includes the academic and technical skills required to be successful in today’s economy.
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Workforce Education
Agriscience and Natural Resources
Agriscience and Natural Resources Education includes various combinations of subject matter and learning experiences in agriculture biotechnology, agricultural communications, agriculture production, agricultural supplies/services, agricultural mechanics, agricultural products processing, horticulture, natural resources, forestry, and leadership and employability skills.
Business Technology
Business Technology Education is a group of planned, specialized instructional programs structured to prepare students to enter, to advance, and to refine prescribed competencies requisite for employment in a cluster of business occupations or in a specific occupation chosen as a career objective.
Diversified
Diversified Education is a critical, challenging discipline of study based upon a partnership between the school, the business community, and the student. Its successful performance depends on the mastery and application of mathematics and language arts principles, the integration of social studies philosophies, the use of scientific problem-solving, and the application of computer technologies to problem-solving, decision-making, and creative-thinking.
Family and Consumer Sciences
The mission of Family and Consumer Sciences is to strengthen families and empower individuals to take action for the well-being of self and others in the home, workplace, community and the world.
Health Science Education
Health Science Education comprises the body of subject matter and planned learning experiences designed to prepare students with competencies required to assist qualified health professionals in providing diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and rehabilitative services in health care facilities, in the home, and in the community.
Industrial Education
Industrial Education is comprised of instructional courses, programs, services, and activities at all educational levels for selected career occupations.
Industrial Education is a component of Career Education which, prepares persons for initial employment and offers opportunities for upgrading or retaining of workers in a wide range of career areas.
Marketing Education
The American Marketing Association (AMA) defines marketing as “the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion, and distribution of ideas, goods, and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives.” Marketing Education seeks to provide students with the competencies they need to enter, progress, and improve in the many and diverse marketing occupations available in today’s global economy.
Public Service Education
Public service education comprises the body of subject matter and planned learning experience designed to prepare persons for selected occupations necessary to accomplish the mission of municipal, county, state, and federal governments. When private enterprise fails to provide adequate services, publicly institutionalized solutions are found.
Technology Education
Rapid advances in technology are forcing changes in educational content and methodology and are pointing out the necessity for preparing students who need to be technologically literate and ready for the future. We are in the midst of a technology explosion that will continue into the 22nd century. It is altering our lifestyle and our work style. Citizens of Florida must understand technology as an integral part of our everyday lives.
Career Academies are small, personalized learning communities centered on a career theme. These exciting programs, which include a college-prep curriculum and a path to industry certifications, challenge students and assist them in finding an engaging career path. Career Academies align with local industry needs and ensure that students are prepared to become skilled employees in high-demand occupations. Through a dynamic curriculum, support from a local advisory committee and partnerships with employers, the community and higher education, students are prepared for future educational and career success.
A Career Academy involves teachers from different subjects working together as a team.
Staff teams, who often share common planning time, work together to implement the key features of the Career Academy and provide students with career training. Students may be grouped together for several periods every day with a core group of teachers. This promotes a family-like atmosphere and results in close student-teacher ties.
Additionally, many Career Academies offer opportunities for on-the-job training, job shadowing, or internships as well as the option to earn college credit while in high school.
Polk County Public Schools is committed to ensuring that Career and Technical Education programs are accessible to everyone. Learn about our commitment by reviewing our annual notice of nondiscrimination for CTE programs.
Career Pathways
Dynamic Educational Involvement:
Partnerships Between:
- Schools (secondary and postsecondary)
- Employers
- Families and community leaders
A Process of Teaching and Learning That:
- Expects high levels of achievement from all students
- Recognizes and addresses various learning styles
- Integrates practical applications into academics
A Curriculum Structure That:
- Is central, but not limited, to grades nine through 14
- Keeps student choices and career/educational options open
- Prepares students for critical thinking and lifelong learning
Benefits of Tech Prep:
For Teachers
- Student recruitment and retention
- Establishes standards and benchmarks for student success
- Presents networking opportunities with peers and colleagues from postsecondary institutions
For Students
- Ability to earn tuition-free college credit
- Ability to get a jumpstart on a high-wage career
- Gain lifelong employability skills
- Chances to network with potential employers
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