CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

INTRODUCTION

Applied technology education is an experience-based program designed to instill in students an understanding of technology’s evolution, tools, materials, processes and its impact on our world with opportunities for all students. Some students enroll in the program for the purpose of career exploration, while others enroll in support of their studies in other departments (such as art, computer science, or business), while still others enroll as the first step in an educational process, which ultimately leads to technical certification, apprenticeship or a college level degree.

Academic Achievement:  Acquire the communications (reading, writing, and speaking), mathematics, science and social science skills required to meet the performance standards of an occupational field.

Occupational Competence:  Attain the occupational knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to meet the performance standards for all aspects of an occupational field.

Employment:  Obtain employment that provides for economic self-sufficiency and career advancement.

Educational Attainment:  Complete a sequence of courses to acquire academic and occupational competence and to attain a high school diploma or its equivalent, an occupational certificate, an associate and/or bachelor’s degree.

Economic Competitiveness:  Enhance the economic competitiveness of the workforce by having the ability to produce high-quality goods and services, learn new skills and technologies quickly, and adapt effectively to changes in the workplace.

Access and Equity:  Obtain access and equity to education and labor market opportunities

As educators in the field of career and technical education, we believe that all graduates of Rich Township High Schools should develop an attitude, social consciousness and ethical value system inherent in responsible citizenship and should be skilled in:

• higher order, critical thinking, interpersonal communication, problem solving, technology awareness and resource management;
• using a collaborative approach to problem solving;
• managing time and material resources for the purpose of functioning more effectively as a contributing member of society;
• written and verbal communications necessary for productive employment and a fulfilling lifestyle;  
• the use of technology in carrying out various vocational and personal endeavors.

ILLINOIS STATE GOALS:

At this time the State of Illinois has not developed Learning Standards for Applied Technology.  State Learning Standards for the Core Curriculum courses are embedded in the Applied Technology curriculum.

Click here to read how students are provided with opportunities for academic and technical instruction which lead to lifelong learning and career opportunities.