A key aspect of the Tech Prep Evaluation System is the recognition of exemplary practices in the consortia that are reviewed each year. The following consortia were recognized at the "Connections 2001" conference for excellence in relation to varying aspects of the Tech Prep program:

Career Preparation Network - Recognized for Articulation

This consortium has course-to-course articulation agreements for forty courses matched to sixty-seven courses in the eight local high schools. Both academic and technical courses are included. The consortium piloted a dual credit program using the Net Prep Program. Begin-ning with the junior year in high school, students are involved in a program that ties them di-rectly to the community college. The number of students who benefit from dual credit jumped from almost none to over 100 students in one semester.
                                                For more information, contact Tom Hyseell.

Valley Education for Employment System - Recognized for Secondary/Postsecondary Collaboration

Collaboration between secondary and postsecondary instructors and administrators is a defi-nite strength within this consortium. Secondary and postsecondary instructors participate as members on ten occupational program committees. Focus groups meet in the remaining six program areas. Both groups work to align curriculum, articulate courses and provide profes-sional growth opportunities. Through the collaborative efforts of the Valley Education for Employment System, Kane County Regional Office of Education, Waubonsee Community College, and the Valley Education to Careers Partnership, many professional development opportunities are afforded to teachers, counselors, and administrators.
                                            For more information, contact Bernie Looney.

Franklin County Regional Delivery System - Recognized for Integrated, Contextual Instructional Strategies

This Consortium has demonstrated exceptional leadership in its efforts to develop innovative examples of integrated, contextual instructional strategies. Recognized for their book, 'Real-World Mathematics Problems' which was developed with local business and industry, the consortium has become known for its strong partnership with the Center for Occupational Research and Development (CORD) in the development and use of instructional materials. Collaboration between the secondary education system and Rend Lake College has led to widespread use of exemplary teaching methods that provide for the recognition of various learning styles. Cross-disciplinary linkages incorporate applied learning strategies as well as integration and contextual learning.
                                            For more information, contact Betty Musgrave.

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges - Recognized for Leadership, Commitment and Administrative Support

Administrators actively participate in Tech Prep and the Consortium Coordinator, school-based Tech Prep leaders, and EFE System Directors work together to ensure buy-in and im-plementation. The consortium coordinates funding sources to achieve its goals and con-stantly works together in all initiatives. Administrators have done well with ensuring that all players within the consortium understand Tech Prep, particularly notable considering their large geographical area.
                                                For more information, contact Kathy Pampe.

North Suburban Educational Region for Vocational Education - Recognized for Preparatory Services (Including Career Guidance)

The high schools and Oakton College of the NSERVE region have developed an outstanding student preparation and career exploration program entitled "Summer Camps." These three-week programs recruit students from all high schools in the region. With the assistance of the college and various business partners, the summer camps are offered in manufacturing and electronics, health occupations, and business. Teachers developed curriculum for the summer camps that increased hands-on activities and decreased discipline issues. Program outcomes include increased student enrollments, faculty participation and retention, and additional work sites to involve new businesses.
                                                     For more information, contact Pat Dugan.

Heartland Region/Richland Community College - Recognized for Business/ Labor/ Community Involvement

Business, labor, and community involvement is a true asset to the Heartland Region Tech Prep consortium. The Business/Industry Advisory Council, formed in 1993, offers support at both secondary and postsecondary levels through curriculum revitalization efforts. It also provides resources to instructors and offers high quality work-based learning experiences to students. Many opportunities are made available to faculty and counselors to participate in Vocational Instruction Practicum/Academic Instruction Practicum experiences in order to up-date their knowledge of the workplace.
                                                  For more information, contact John Schultz.

West Central Region Education for Employment - Recognized for Work-Based Learning Experience

It is rare to find business partners who understand Tech Prep and all aspects of the industry as well as the business partners in this consortium. It is clear that strong relationships have been built to involve businesses in a variety of ways. Students across the consortium are all very enthusiastic about their WBL experiences and say they have helped them determine their ca-reer interests and goals. Business partners indicate they are pleased with the preparation of the students and have hired several of them. As a result of their experiences, businesses part-ners are exploring further ways to be involved with Tech Prep.
                                                For more information, contact Hobson Bale.

McLean-DeWitt Regional Vocational System - Recognized for Business/ Labor/ Community Involvement

This consortium utilizes business to offer a variety of WBL experiences for their students. These range from job shadowing to intense internship programs. Business partners have helped shape curriculum by participating on advisory committees, making presentations, of-fering field trips, and conducting many other activities. They also provide Vocational In-struction Practicum/Academic Instruction Practicum to teachers so they can update their knowledge of the private sector and take that knowledge back to the classroom.
                                                For more information, contact Steve Poznic.

Top