Curriculum Committee Minutes : (1/15/07)

• Attendance: J. Lewis, E. Stout, S. Coultas, Mae Gilbert, J. Maher, Bill M., J. Coleman

· Proposal for the creation of a Tech Prep program

Consistently for the past few years there has been a great deal of interest in auto tech, building trades and HVAC. The programs fill up quickly and have not been able to accommodate the applicants. Currently 50% of the applicants for these programs are not being served due to program size constraints. The teachers feel that these students have potential, but would benefit from one more year of studies to prepare them for the more focused and rigorous technical program of auto, building and HVAC. The job outlook is excellent in each of these fields and students have found work placements readily available. Each of these programs promises a career that will provide a livable wage. Workforce in each of these areas is aging and demand for new, trained individuals is high. The Next Generation Commissions recently issued a report supporting our proposal. We see program expansion in these areas as one solution to help keep young Vermonters in the state.

Proposal:

• Students would be
• Committed to continuing with the tech program the following year
• Selected from the existing tech program waiting list, but not limited to
• Students will complete preadmissions requirements
• Interview process
• Aptitude test
• Interest inventory

• The class will be designed for 3 blocks
• One academic block
• Tech English and Tech Math embedded into the program
• Two blocks within the shop centered around
• Electrical
• Electrical Apprenticeship – Level 1
• Plumbing
• Residential Construction
• Auto

• One new staff member would be required and one block of content area
• Existing facilities would be used