Exploratory and Trade Offerings

Phase I: The Exploratory Program allows all students to experience technical program offerings at the school. Each ninth-grade student spends two full days in each technical area. The emphasis during this phase of the Exploratory Program is on career types, work values, likes and dislikes, self-evaluation and decision making. Students and parents are provided with a written assessment from each technical area that measures their knowledge and understanding of career options, safety, standards and procedures, theoretical concepts and ability to apply methods and use materials to complete basic projects. Phase I ends in late October.

Students are to be prepared in each trade so that they can work to their full potential every day in all technology classes.

Daily items needed: safety glasses, work boots, notebook, pen, pencil, ruler and shop T-shirt.

Phase II: Of the Exploratory Program provides students with a more in-depth study of fewer technical areas for a longer period of time. During this phase students select three (3) technical areas and spend four (4) days investigating these areas in much greater detail. Emphasis is placed on student aptitude, goal setting, self-evaluation and decision making. Students in this phase are assessed on their knowledge, understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to interact effectively in the workplace. At the end of this phase parents are invited to attend a Career Night/Shop Selection Night at the school. Phase II ends late November

Phase I and Phase II completion is assessed at a credit value of 1 credit.

Phase III of the program gives students the opportunity to select one technical area that is of greatest interest to them for a more rigorous exploration. This phase of Exploratory allows the student to experience the demands and expectations that will be required over the next three years. Students are assessed on their knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts, their ability to apply methods and use materials appropriately, to complete complex tasks, and to interact effectively in the workplace. Additional emphasis is placed on communication skills, stress identification and management, as well as goal setting.

Students and parents/guardians will attend Career Night (Shop Selection Night) in December to choose their final Trade Technology (shop) which starts Phase III. This event allows parents to meet the technology instructors, learn about the program expectations and continue to provide support to their children in the decision-making process.

Phase III successful completion is assessed at a credit value of 2 credits

Student benefit

The EXPLORATORY Program is designed to provide all students with a great deal of knowledge about him/herself and the various career paths available. The program allows students the opportunity to assess their strengths in each career technology.

Attendance & behavior is a critical component of this process.