| FOR RELEASE: June 22, 2009 |
Contact: Jim Bradshaw or David Thomas (202) 401-1579 |
The U.S. Department of Education and its National Research Center for Career and Technical Education (NRCCTE) in Louisville, Ky., announced today the selection of five states to receive technical assistance from the center in developing green-focused "programs of study" in career and technical education.
The states are: Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oregon.
"Green means healthier learning environments for students and adults, plus lower energy costs and a stronger economy," said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. "Green programs of study support the administration's goal of expanding a green workforce by preparing students for high-skill, high-wage jobs in a clean energy economy."
Following are the areas that the states have proposed to develop programs of study.
- Georgia -- energy, construction and transportation.
- Illinois -- energy, utilities and waste management.
- New Jersey -- various industries.
- Ohio -- energy, biotech and agriculture.
- Oregon -- wind, solar and construction.
Programs of study incorporate secondary and postsecondary elements in a progressive, non-duplicative curriculum, featuring coherent and rigorous technical and academic content and leading to a post-high school, industry-recognized credential or associate or baccalaureate degree.
"Programs of study should build on sound career development theory and may utilize dual or concurrent enrollment options or other strategies that will more effectively link high school and postsecondary education," said National Research Center Director James R. Stone III.
The National Research Center will engage the five participating states in a 14-month process to develop "green-focused" programs. Each state will work with a facilitator to provide ongoing assistance along with consultation from content experts.
State teams will participate in a three-day technical assistance academy in winter 2009 in Washington, D.C. At the conclusion of this initiative, the selected states will work with the National Research Center to share their best and promising practices for implementing programs of study.
The Education Department's Office of Vocational and Adult Education funds the center, which is located at the University of Louisville's College of Education and Human Development. It generates scientifically based knowledge, disseminates findings, conducts professional development activities and provides technical assistance -- all to improve career and technical education in the United States.
For more on the center, see its Web site at http://www.nrccte.org. Information on the Office of Vocational and Adult Education can be found at http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html.
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