The Mississippi Tech Prep Initiative prepares young people for careers of the future. Tech Prep is based on principles of integrating academic and vocational education and enhancing applied teaching strategies. By combining innovative teaching methods and high-tech equipment, challenging and exciting classrooms have emerged. A major factor in the success of Tech Prep is a strong partnership between community/junior colleges and business and industry.
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Applied Academic Instruction
- infuses hands-on, laboratory-centered activities into academic courses
- focuses on mathematics, science, and communications
- empowers students to understand the purpose and value of education
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Occupational Clusters of Study
- Agriculture/Natural Resources Technology
- Arts/Humanities
- Business/Marketing Technology
- Engineering/Industrial Technology
- Health/Human Services Technology
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| Worksite Experiences
An integral part of the Tech Prep Initiative is worksite experience. This work experience provides occupational-specific training. Students can participate in worksite experiences through Cooperative Education at the secondary level and Work-Based Learning at the postsecondary level. |
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Innovative Courses |
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Career Discovery
- is an experiential hands-on course for seventh graders
- promotes career exploration and educational planning
- develops basic understanding of aptitudes, interests, and abilities as related to academic goals
- develops basic competencies related to problem solving, human relations, and other core career skills
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Technology Discovery
- is a state-of-the-art technology course for ninth graders
- explores technology resources, processes, and systems
- utilizes research, visualization, modeling, design, simulation, prototyping, journaling, presentations, demonstrations, problem-solving techniques, role-playing, and tesing
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Computer Discovery
- is an innovative multimedia course for eighth graders
- focuses on microcomputer applications and telecommunications
- applies problem-solving, decision-making, and critical thinking skills
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Science and Technology
- is a technology course for postsecondary students at Mississippi’s community and junior colleges
- utilizes technological resources related to advanced computer applications, biotechnology, electrical and electronic systems, automation, microcomputer assembly and operating systems, multimedia communication, laser and fiber optics, and telecommunications systems
Career Counseling
Career Centers
Are easily accessible by high school students and provide current occupational/career information as well as various inventories, assessments, videos, software, and Internet access.
Teacher-Advisors
Serve as a link between professional guidance services and the student. Advisors assist students in completing the Career/Educational Plan and review these plans with parents annually.
Mississippi’s Career/Educational Plan
Is a compilation of student data collected from seventh grade through high school. Students may take the plan with them to institutions of higher learning or directly to potential employers.
Articulation
Creates a smooth transition from high school to community/junior colleges or the workforce. Institutions work together to coordinate instructional content, provide advanced placement, and create sequential courses of study.