Career Clusters
An Overview
Objectives
 Overview of Career Clusters
 Benefits of Career Clusters
Career
Clusters
A Model That . . .
 PREPARES students for a broad range of career
options
 CONNECTS what is learned in school to what is
needed for success in college and careers, thus
helping to motivate students
Sources: National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education (2004)
Missouri Department of Higher Education
Replaces Remediation
With Rigor and Relevance
Why?
Overall, 36.4% of Missouri students
take remedial courses in college
Of those • 78.9% are students at two-year institutions
• 21.1% are students at four-year institutions
Source: Missouri Department of Higher Education
2007 Missouri High School Graduates Performance Report
Defining Career Cluster
Framework Elements
Career Path
Career Cluster
Career Pathway
Program of Study
Plan of Study
Tying It All Together
Elementary - Career Awareness
PATHS
Tying It All Together
Intermediate & Middle School
Career Exploration
PATHS & CLUSTERS
Tying It All Together
High School
Career Preparation and Application
CLUSTER
&
PATHWAYS
5 Pathways within Health Science:
Therapeutic Services
Diagnostic Services
Health Informatics
Support Services
Biotechnology Research & Development
Career Cluster Model
Knowledge & Skills
This level shows the knowledge
and skills needed.
Knowledge and Skills
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Academics
Communications
Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
Information Technology
Technical Skills
Leadership & Teamwork
Safety, Health & Environment
Ethics & Legal Responsibilities
Employability & Career Development
Career Cluster Model
Pathways
There are three Pathways in this Career
Cluster. (certificates and degrees)
Career Cluster Model
Occupations
The third level shows occupations of
that Cluster Pathway.
Aligning Opportunities
The Big Picture
Personal Plans
MSIP 6.9.3
An individual planning system is in place.
Personal Plan of Study (sample)
Personal Plan of Study (page 2)
Strategies
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Learning should be student centered
Use a variety of instructional strategies (Rigor)
Make Connections (Relevance)
Teach with Relationships in Mind
Involve community members to offer first-hand
opportunities for students to see how their
studies can impact their future lives
 Bridge the Gap between Career and Technical
Education and academic teachers
How Career Clusters Benefit
Students?
Motivates them to take rigorous courses.
Increases their awareness of
opportunities in the career field.
Helps them to make a connection
between school and work.
Organizes their coursework with a focus.
Personalizes their school environment.
Career Clusters Benefits
Educators
Schools
Parents
Postsecondary
Counselors
Employers and Industry Groups
Career Development
Becomes a Lifelong Process
PAST
PRESENT/FUTURE
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
CAREER EDUCATION
For Some Students
For All Students
For a Few Jobs
For All Careers
6 to 7 “Program Areas”
6 Career Paths
16 Clusters
79 Pathways
In Lieu of Academics
Aligns to and Supports Rigorous
Academics
High School Focused
High School, College and Business
& Industry Partnerships
For more information
www.mcce.org
www.career clusters.org
www.missouriconnections.org
www.dhe.mo.gov
www.dese.mo.gov
www.missourieconomy.org