The primary purpose of Programs of Study is to provide successful student transitions between secondary and postsecondary education. The Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Improvement Act of 2006 called upon states and local education agencies to create secondary-to-postsecondary sequences of academic and career education coursework that lead students to attain a postsecondary degree or industry-recognized certificate or credential. At a minimum, Programs of Study must:

• incorporate and align secondary and postsecondary education elements;
• include academic and CTE content in a coordinated, non-duplicative progression of courses;
• offer the opportunity, where appropriate, for secondary students to acquire postsecondary credits; and
• lead to an industry-recognized credential or certificate at the postsecondary level, or an associate or baccalaureate degree.

Why

• Smoother transitions for students as they move from secondary to postsecondary education and into the workforce. This helps students avoid pitfalls that tend to derail their career plans, waste tuition money and frustrate their parents.
• Opportunities for teachers at all levels and subjects to collaborate on curriculum, methods, and desired outcomes of instruction. The process empowers teachers by allowing them to design effective and efficient instruction that helps their students achieve their goals.
• Students who have goals and a plan to achieve them are more invested and motivated in their studies.

How

The development of Programs of Study is a collaborative effort among schools and colleges to seamlessly coordinate classroom instruction and support experiences and activities for a particular career cluster, which includes career and technical student organizations, career development activities, and community participation. It is built upon a curriculum that addresses cluster knowledge and skills, as well as national and state academic standards. 

Career Cluster Framework

• Career Cluster Poster

ICAP

• ICAP Template