IET curriculum and instruction is centered around four key ideas:
Single Set of Learning Objectives (SSLOs)
The SSLOs are student learning objectives which show how the IET integrates and unifies the three components: Workforce Training, Adult Education, and Workforce Preparation Skills.
Team Teaching
Most IETs require at least two instructors. One instructor is the expert in a Workforce Training curriculum such as welding, and the other is the expert in Adult Education. The instructors plan together to design lessons that accomplish the SSLOs and other key activities that support the learners as they earn their workforce credential and make gains in basic skills. Depending on the IET’s team teaching model, instructors may or may not teach in the same classroom at the same time.
Contextualized Instruction
Contextualized instruction means that the Adult Education basic skills are taught in ways which are directly relevant and useful for the career targeted by the Workforce Training. For example, ESL students in an Early Childhood IET practice writing skills by writing letters to parents where they explain the preschool class’s goals and expectations.
Integration of Workforce Preparation Skills
Workforce Preparation Skills include concepts such as effective communication and problem-solving which are used in nearly all jobs. Workforce Preparation can also include career navigation activities such as helping students prepare for an interview in the IET career.
The Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges has been a leader in IET design and implementation, which is known as I-BEST in their state. The videos below show examples of different methods of team teaching in action.
IET Resource Repository - Curriculum and Instruction
Available on LINCS. Instructional Resources start in the middle of the page. Find examples from other states in various IET career areas.
Employability Skills Framework Handout
Teaching Skills That Matter (TSTM) Workforce Preparation
TSTM has several ready-to-adapt lessons that integrate Workforce Preparation Skills.
O*NET is the U.S. Department of Labor's website for career exploration. Helpful sections include the Advanced Searches for Soft Skills and Technology Skills and Browse by O*NET Data.
Color Vowel Work Vocabulary Organizer
This organizer helps ESL students with pronunciation of job interview vocabulary.