Redesigning Education

For The 21st Century Workforce in Mississippi

OverviewEconomic and workforce development is at a tipping point in Mississippi. The Mississippi Department of Education is taking a closer look at the delivery of workforce education in our state.A variety of research and feedback from stakeholder groups was analyzed to develop this plan.This plan outlines the proposed research-based new direction for the 7th – 9th grade Discovery courses, Career Centers, and career pathways for Mississippi.

Why Change?35 percent drop-out rateEmployment opportunities of the futureGraduates unprepared for the 21st century workforceNCLB technology literacy requirementIncreasing need for post-secondary remediation

On TargetWith A New Direction

From.. To…

7th Grade Career Discovery Information and Communication Technology I (ICT I)

8th Grade Computer Discovery

Information and Communication Technology II (ICT II)

9th Grade Technology Discovery

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

10th – 12th Grade Academic and Vocational Education

Mississippi Career Pathways with Increased Articulation with Post-secondary

Information And Communication Technology I

CurriculumBasic Operation & KeyboardingSocial, Ethical, and Human Issues in TechnologyCommunication ToolsResearch Tools Word ProcessingPublishingSpreadsheetMultimedia Presentation

Academic Component7th Grade Language Arts Benchmarks7th Grade Mathematics Benchmarks7th Grade Science Benchmarks

Information And Communication Technology II

CurriculumInput ApplicationsDatabase ApplicationsDesign ApplicationsGraphic Design ApplicationsNetworkingWeb Page DesignTaking an Online CourseProblem Solving and Decision Making with Technology

Academic Component8th Grade Language Arts Benchmarks8th Grade Mathematics Benchmarks8th Grade Science Benchmarks 8th Grade U.S. History Benchmarks

Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Applications

Dual Credit OptionFirst opportunity for dual credit via online course

Eligible Online CoursesSecondary Online CoursesPost-secondary Online Courses

Vocational CoursesAcademic Courses

Integration Of Workforce Education In High SchoolCareer Pathways: A Research-Based Strategy

Encompasses numerous occupations sharing a common theme into a broad categoryProvides students a context for connecting what they are learning across a wide spectrum of academic subject areas through the theme Expands options and opportunities for all studentsProvides map to reinforce academic learning by demonstrating direct application of classroom learning to the world of workProvides flexible scheduling for students

Seven Mississippi PathwaysHealth CareAgriculture and Natural ResourcesConstruction and ManufacturingTransportationBusiness Management and MarketingScience, Technology, Engineering, and MathHuman Services

Integration Of Workforce Education In High SchoolVocational Education Courses

Integrate academic, workforce, and technology skills in all secondary vocational curriculum frameworks Certified Rigor and Relevance trainer will serve on each curriculum framework revision teamAll vocational curricula will include active learning techniques, cooperative learning, and project-based learning teaching and assessment strategies Face-to-face and online professional development opportunities for increasing the Rigor and Relevance curriculum enhancement will be available to academic and vocational educators

Vocational Program Modifications

Streamlining the 49 two-year Secondary Vocational Programs to:

Approximately 10 introductory courses (retaining 6 Family & Consumer Sciences courses)Approximately 20 two-year vocational programs

Continuation of Post-secondary Vocational Cluster Programs

WE WORK Center Workforce Education With Online Learning for Real-world Knowledge

Dropout Prevention ModulesStudents who experience hardships and are tempted to drop out will have the opportunity to finish their graduation requirements through flexible online and face-to-face course offerings and modified scheduling.

Possible WE WORK Module/Course OfferingsEmployability SkillsBasic Industrial SkillsSafety and Related SkillsPre-employment TrainingStatistical Process ControlQuality Management Skills