Ohio’s career technical education system is based on 16 career fields that balance broad-based, career technical education and specialized training necessary for employment success, further study and adaptation to a changing economy. Broad and specialized technical content standards frame curriculum, instruction, assessment and program design.
Career Pathways
A career pathway is a series of academic and technical career-focused coursework and other educational learning experiences leading to a career specialty and employment. Pathways facilitate a seamless transition from high school to postsecondary education—including apprenticeships, adult education, two and four-year colleges and graduate school. A pathway also leads from postsecondary education to the workplace.
To effectively facilitate the transition from secondary to postsecondary education and a career, high school career pathways should encompass:
- Challenging technical coursework in a chosen career field based on career field technical content standards
- Rigorous academics that meet Ohio academic content standards and grade-level expectations
- Electives that relate to career objectives
- Instructional enhancements such as experiential and authentic learning opportunities such as work-based learning, mentorships, internships and career technical student organization participation
- Opportunities for program and student certification and licensure
- Preparation for transition to further study that includes college readiness and opportunity to earn college credit while in high school
- Preparation for transition to employment with advancement opportunities
- Performance targets that include high school academic and technical testing/exit and postsecondary entry/placement requirements