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| Student success is the keystone of education. Unfortunately, too many of today’s students have a high risk of failure — often due to factors beyond the student’s control. Tech Prep programs incorporate proven practices that offset these risk factors and increase opportunities for a successful transition to higher education.
A recent study commissioned by the National Postsecondary Education Cooperative entitled, “Paving the Way to Post-Secondary Education” (NPEC, 2001), outlines six K-12 practices that lead to increased educational attainment: faculty mentors, quality instruction, long-term programs, diversity awareness, peer support, and financial assistance. Even before this study, Arizona’s Tech Prep programs incorporated these proven activities to prepare students to successfully transition from high school to college.
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 Photo courtesy of Western Maricopa Tech Prep Consortium
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1. Having a “mentor,” such as a faculty member or a guidance counselor, to direct and guide the student over an extended period of time. Students enrolled in Tech Prep programs build strong relationships with faculty in their programs and benefit from their expertise and experience. These instructors care about their students and help guide them to take positive steps towards their future education and career.
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2. Providing high quality instruction, including access to challenging coursework, specialty classes that support the regular curriculum, and revamping curriculum to better address the learning needs of the students. Tech Prep articulation restructures the curriculum to infuse rigorous academics in an applied context for students. In the career and technical courses, students apply the math, English, and science skills learned in academic courses to solve workplace problems and complete industry projects, linking learning to real-life.
3. Making long-term investments in students. The longer students are in a program, the more likely they are to benefit from it. Tech Prep programs are comprised of a coherent sequence of courses, often beginning as early as 9th grade and continuing through high school graduation. Students also have the benefit of continuing the same program at the community college as they complete a degree or certificate in a specific career field.
4. Paying attention to diversity. Tech Prep programs are for ALL students. Tech Prep also offers professional development to increase faculty awareness and sensitivity to issues among special populations.
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 Photo courtesy of Arizona Western College
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5. Providing a peer group that supports students’ academic aspirations as well as providing social and emotional support. In addition to group work during class time, many students are active participants in service organizations as part of the overall Tech Prep program. In these organizations, students gain leadership and communication skills and receive peer support in achieving their educational goals.
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6. Providing financial assistance and incentives. By streamlining career programs from high school to college, Tech Prep saves students time and money. Tech Prep articulations reduce the duplication of coursework, and often offer college credit at little or no cost to the student.
Contact your local Tech Prep Consortium to learn more about efforts to transition students in your area.
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