Career Clusters in Virginia

1. Career ClustersinVirginia

2. Steps to Implementation • Virginia first used the term “Career Families” • Changed to “Career Clusters” in 2005-2006 • Adopted all 16 career clusters, accompanying pathways and sample career/occupations from the very beginning • Allow local divisions to adopt career clusters they desire or to merge clusters

3. Steps to implementation • Each program area section contains the following information • course titles and descriptions • approved course sequences that fulfill the requirement for two sequential electives and prepare students for career entry and continuing education and • the career cluster to which each course belongs for Federal reporting purposes • Additional information and samples of how to use career clusters are in Section 11 of the APG.

4. Steps to Implementation • For students we have a variety of web resources • Career Planning Guide organizes careers into a three level hierarchy Career Clusters, the broadest category group careers that share basic characteristics. Each career cluster is further divided into career pathways which contain specific occupations. Occupations correspond to job titles.

5. Steps to Implementation • Virginia Career View • Contains resources and activities for Kindergarten through adults • Virginia Career Planning System powered by KUDER

6. Steps to Implementation • R U Ready Magazine • Distributed to all 11th graders in Virginia • Parents Help your Child Prepare Now for the Road Ahead brochure is distributed to all 8th graders parents and a Teacher’s Guide is provided for use with the magazine and • Also provided on line

7. Steps to Implementation • Trailblazers • Used by students for information on Nontraditional careers and Used by teachers, administrators and local school divisions to meet Perkins grant mandates

8. Steps to Implementation • Career Cluster Templates • http://wwwdoe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/CTE/careerclusters/ • -Each career cluster has a sample plan of study. (blank templates and information sheet for Virginia courses. • Virginia Department of Education, CTE staff works in conjunction with the Virginia Community College System • to develop the Sample Plan of Study

9. Steps to Implement • Career Cluster Templates • Started in 2006-2007 with sixteen career pathways and will add 32 more career pathways this year and • This year will include Plans of Study developed in conjunction with our English and Fine Arts Program Area Specialist of the VDOE.

10. Steps to Implementation • Quick Reference Guide of Print and On-line Career Planning Resources http://www.doe.virginia.gov/VDOE/Instruction/CTE/careerclusters/Quick Reference Guide pdf Know How Virginia-sponsored by the Virginia Career Education Foundation - http:www.knowhowvirginia.org/ - Also provides information on activities on a regional basis

11. Steps to Implementation • Local Division Samples • Newport News • http://www.sbo.nn.k12.va.us/careerpathways/ • Henry County • http://www.henry.k12.va.us/344210828135237410/site/default.asp

12. Continuing Steps • The Virginia Standards of Accreditation is currently under review to include an “Academic and Career Plan” as requested by the Governor • -Scheduled to go before the Virginia Board of Education for approval in early 2009 • -When implemented this will begin with 7th graders and be reviewed and modified as they progress • -Includes all components of Career Clusters Plans of Study.

13. Continuing Steps • -Training for school counselors and career coaches • -Completion of all Sample templates for career pathways • -Continued training for local teachers and administrators on implementing Career Clusters and career pathways

14. Thank you • Elizabeth Russell, Director Virginia Department of Education