This workshop will be conducted by National Career Clusters leaders Ann and Gene Benson, well-known as the authors of the 81 sample programs of study that appear at careerclusters.org and presenters at the OVAE Regional Career Clusters Workshops. Using their experience from working in many states across the nation facilitating the use and development of programs of study, Ann and Gene will assist individuals and teams in developing actual programs of study that meet local and state needs and that are aligned with the national, state and local standards. Each individual will receive the CD that provides all of the revised national knowledge and skills statements. Participants should bring a laptop computer that is capable of using this CD, a copy of local and state graduation requirements, and any other information they feel will impact the usefulness of the completed program(s) of study. Two breaks and lunch will be provided.

Workshop Objectives

• Develop an understanding of relevant terminology and background surrounding career clusters, career pathways, and programs of study;
• Identify resources, including the knowledge and skills statements, to be used in making decisions related to pathway, program and course selection;
• Identify and develop the required components of programs of study.
• Develop a program of study that meets local and state requirements and that is ready for implementation in the 2008-09 school year.
• Develop a plan for implementation of programs of study at the state and/or local level.

For more information, please contact Ann Benson, EdD at gben@brightok.net or 405-743-2919.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $300 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $325 per person

Are you a district or high school wanting to create a model career academy? Do you want to ensure that your career academy is high quality? Do you want to turn your career clusters, career programs or smaller learning communities into career academies? This full-day workshop presented by the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) will provide information on the national standards for career academies. These 10 Standards were introduced in 2004 by a consortium of national organizations to provide consistency and quality to career academies. You will learn what the Standards are, what they look like in high quality academies and how they link to the career clusters.

For more information, please contact Susan Katzman at 314-725-8041.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $300 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $325 per person

This workshop will provide an overview of the Career Clusters Tour Guide: Tool Kit Module 1. This guide introduces audiences to the concept of Career Clusters. It includes background information, a PowerPoint slide presentation, PowerPoint notes, handouts, activities and a set of Career Cluster brochures. This is an excellent way to introduce your partners to the concept of Career Clusters. Each participant will receive a copy of the Career Clusters Tour Guide: Module 1 (a $52 value) that is included with the registration fee. Light snacks and beverages also included in the registration fee.

For more information, please contact Paula Tully at ptull@okcareertech.org.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $100 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $125 per person

Responding to client feedback NOCTI is in development on pathway assessments in several key clusters. Get a first-hand look at the content these assessments will cover, and choose if they are right for your program. The process, partners, and national validation will be described, as well as the suggested methods of implementation to meet Perkins planning guidelines. Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups to discuss how pathway assessments may work in their environment (participants should be familiar with their current assessment efforts).

For more information, please contact NOCTI at 800-334-6283.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $100 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $125 per person

The CareerSafe® program is an online youth-to-youth (Y2Y) focused safety program, which educates youth on OSHA standards and regulations, while providing them with a chance to receive an OSHA 10-Hour General Industry or an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Industry "10-Hour Card".

CareerSafe® Online has reached over 95,000 youth across the nation and educated them on safe workplace practices. CareerSafe® is offered in both English and Spanish. With the visual and audio components of the CareerSafe® program, participants are able to conceptualize the importance of workplace safety through learning styles that work best for them.

For more information, please contact Andrea Foster-Mack at afoster@k2share.com or 979-260-0300.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $0 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $0 per person

This workshop is offered for those wanting to have student assessments and certifications that meet new Perkins requirements, are supported and promoted by key national professional organizations (all are non-profits and include the National Sheriffs\' Association, Police Foundation, American Correctional Association, International Foundation for Protection Officers, and National Academies for Emergency Dispatch) and are linked to the appropriate career cluster pathway knowledge and skills. In addition, the process for having LPSCS career programs evaluated and certified will be outlined.

For more information, please contact Joseph N. Coffee at jnc11@msn.com or 703-470-2974.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $100 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $125 per person

Session will review current literature on computational thinking and share examples of what computational thinking looks like. Participants will breakout into small groups to discuss how computational thinking can be used in the classroom. Session will also examine the importance of computational thinking in creating an innovative and creative workforce and its relevance to education and building a pipeline of STEM talent.

For more information, please contact Joyce Malyn-Smith, Ed.D. at jmalynsmith@edc.org or 617-618-2386.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $100 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $125 per person

Manufacturing is redefining itself and innovation is the theme. Come learn how this contextual learning process can impact you and your students. Covers all manufacturing pathways with integrated lessons in math, science, technology (STEM) and communications. All materials supplied.

For more information, please contact Barbara Orwig at pub@carcom.com or 800-669-7795.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $125 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $150 per person

This workshop will provide an overview of the Career Clusters Tour Guide:  Module 2 - Implementation.  This workshop is designed to introduce participants to the basic concepts of initial implementation of a Career Clusters framework. It will focus on actual best practices, models and resources available. Each participant will receive a copy of the Career Clusters Tour Guide: Module 2 (a $65 value) that is included with the registration fee. The Tour Guide includes tools, strategies and 'how to' tips to jump start implementation of Career Clusters. Light snacks and beverages included in the registration fee.

For more information, please contact Paula Tully at ptull@okcareertech.org.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $110 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $135 per person

Learn more about the assessment development process from start to finish! The process involves consideration of content, format, and the context in which the test will be used. Learn the correct way to write multiple choice items and how to develop properly constructed jobs for performance assessments. Validity and reliability will be clearly defined and during the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups to review and create properly constructed multiple-choice items and performance jobs.

For more information, please contact NOCTI at 800-334-6283.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $100 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $125 per person

Has your business/marketing program kept up with changes in the business community? Is your high school program overly focused on basic technologies? Does your marketing program truly reflect marketing careers? Is the focus of your curricula "business" and from a business perspective (not to be confused with personal business and consumer economics). Is your program connected to college business administration majors?

In a changing educational environment, with increased emphasis on college, rigor, standards, academics, accountability, and career pathways (Perkins), it may be time to re-think the nature of your business program. Isolated courses and singular emphasis on software applications may not adequately meet the demands of the contemporary high school, or the expectations of the various decision-makers and gatekeepers. A more upscale, comprehensive business program may better fit the demands of future business students. Join us for a freewheeling discussion of a new "business administration" model patterned after college business programs and its implications for Career Clusters, course offerings, certifications, courses-of-study, and articulation with college business programs. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the new model, a comprehensive package of planning materials, and opportunities to earn industry-based certifications in business and marketing. Registration includes comprehensive set of workshop materials valued at not less than $159 retail.

Who should attend: This workshop is targeted at high school faculty and department leaders interested in developing comprehensive business programs addressing entrepreneurship, finance, business operations, marketing, and business applications of technology.

Facilitator: Dr. James Gleason, President, MarkED/Career Paths

For more information, please contact James Gleason at 800-448-0398 x 215.

Registration fee:
Before May 2, 2008 – $139 per person
After May 2, 2008 – $159 per person