2001 Annual Report

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Office of Vocational and Technical Education

Vocational and Technical Education is committed to preparing all learners in the state for new jobs, roles, technologies and responsibilities. It is making every effort to meet the challenges of increasingly complex and diversified industries that by necessity exist and operate closer to the edge of excellence in order to thrive and prosper in a global economy. Indeed, the future of Mississippi depends on meeting the challenge of training its people for the workforce of the twenty-first century and equipping them with the foundation of skills, technical knowledge, personal qualities, and competencies necessary for successful participation in business and industry.

The Vocational and Technical Education System is prepared to meet the changing needs of business and industry and to develop a quality workforce for a profitable economy in Mississippi. Vocational and Technical Education provides Mississippi:

•The state's most effective and fastest workforce development system.
•A State occupational education system for Mississippi students in more than 130 occupations system.
•A sophisticated system reaching every secondary school district and public community/ junior college in Mississippi.
•A system which provides vocational and technical instructional services to 206,636 students in Mississippi.
•A sophisticated system reaching every secondary school district and public community/ junior college in Mississippi.
•A system which utilizes an accountability plan to assess work readiness (academic) and occupational specific skills achievement for all completers.

To meet the challenges of the workplace, Vocational and Technical Education in Mississippi is prepared to:
•Assure that every citizen who will commit to learning has the opportunity to receive the necessary skills to achieve greater economic independence.
•Work with systems at the national, state and local levels to make workforce learning the most important item on the agenda and invest in that effort accordingly.
•Adapt the workforce development system for greater service and productivity in response to the changing nature of work and the phenomenal development of technology.

Vocational and technical services are provided through secondary, postsecondary, short-term adult, industry training, and business and industry partnership settings. These services are delivered through the following programs:
 

Agriculture	Family & Consumer Sciences - Occupational
Marketing Education	Trade and Industrial
Cooperative Education	Health
Technical	Family & Consumer Sciences - General
Business	Work-Based Learning
Career Discovery	Tech Ed/Industrial Arts
Computer Discovery	Science and Technology
Technology Discovery

The Mississippi Tech Prep Initiative helps prepare young people for tomorrow's highly technical careers. The Initiative is based on principle of integrating academic and vocational education and proven applied teaching strategies. By combining innovative teaching methods and high-tech equipment, challenging, exciting classrooms have emerged. Coupled with six years of extensive career and educational planning, the Discovery Courses introduce all students to career opportunities and high-tech computer and technological skills. A brief description of the courses, objectives, and the number of Discovery programs in operation during the 1999-2000 school year follows.
 

Career Discovery introduces seventh grade students to career opportunities and the skills needed for various career paths. An experimental hands-on is approach is used to make learning more fun for students. The course is designed to provide a variety of experiences and activities that promote self-awareness, career exploration, and educational planning related to students' future educational and occupational plans.

Course Goals

•To introduce basic concepts related to careers and career planning.
•To develop basic understanding of their own aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
•To develop basic career competencies related to the SCANS competencies and foundation skills.
•To explore careers in selected areas of the four career clusters associated with the Tech Prep program: Agriculture/Natural Resources Technology, Business/Marketing Technology, Engineering/Industrial Technology, and Health/Human Services Technology.
•To develop and implement a tentative career/educational plan relevant to their aptitudes, interests, and abilities.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
000251	Career Discovery	260	35,581

Computer Discovery exposes eighth grade students to a multimedia environment and fundamental computer skills. Using an innovative multimedia environment to make subject matter come alive, this course is designed to provide fundamental skills in operation of microcomputers, including an introduction to computers, keyboarding skills, operating systems using Windows, and file management skills. Real-world applications in word processing, graphics, databases, telecommunications, spreadsheets, and desktop publishing make the course exciting, relevant, and challenging.

Course Goals

•To develop competencies in the use of the alphabetic and numeric keyboard by touch.
•To develop a basic understanding of terminology and applications, components, and care associated with the use of microcomputers.
•To develop an understanding of information processing principles and associated logical concepts.
•To develop an understanding of how key computer applications (word processing, database, spreadsheet, graphing, telecommunications, and desktop publishing) are used in the work environment.
•To develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills needed to enable students to function successfully on the job and in life experiences.
•To develop analytical math skills needed to solve problems using mathematical operations.
•To develop competencies in individual responsibility, leadership, self-management and integrity.
•To develop competencies associated with career planning.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
000252	Computer Discovery	257	33,738

Technology Discovery enables ninth grade students to explore technology resources, processes, and systems that lead to enhanced career development and advanced education. The instruction consists of a well-structured series of technology based, hands-on learning activities, featuring self-contained, instructional modules with teams of learners participating in student-directed activities. Students learn through research, visualization, modeling, design, simulation, prototyping, journalizing, presentations, demonstrations, problem-solving techniques, role-playing, and testing.

Course Goals

To identify technological resources and apply them within the four career cluster areas of Agriculture/Natural Resources Technology, Business/Marketing Technology, Engineering/ Industrial Technology, and Health/Human Services Technology.

To experience and use selected technological processes found within the four career cluster areas.

To employ technological systems in the solution of problems.

To apply and transfer knowledge and skills regarding diverse technological systems.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
000253	Technology Discovery	225	32,292

Acting as a cohesive agent in the Tech Prep Initiative is the counseling component. This component of Tech Prep is designed to organize and expand career development strategies, activities, and experiences that will assist ALL students in making realistic career plans. These plans are initiated in the seventh grade and updated annually through the twelfth grade.
 

In 1994, the Mississippi Department of Education, in cooperation with the Mississippi Manufacturers Association, and other industry representatives convened a group of key stakeholders to address the relevance of vocational-technical education training programs in meeting the needs of business/industry. Findings and recommendations from this meeting led to the development of a program entitled Work-Based Learning. The entitled Work-Based Learning program combines classroom instruction (occupational/ academic) with structured learning experiences at worksites. Work-Based Learning prepares students for current and future careers in a highly technical workplace by:
•bridging the gap between school and the workplace;
•combining theory and practice so that participants know not only what to do but why;
•turning learners into workers and workers into learners;
•providing structured entry for students through educationally sound, occupationally specific, and industry driven learning programs; and
•providing a vehicle for business/industry to become contributing partner in reshaping education within local communities.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
000255	Work Based Learning	13	633

Science and Technology is a postsecondary course initiative, that has recently come out of the pilot testing stage. The Science and Technology course is perceived as a curricular linkage functioning to provide a smoother transition between secondary and postsecondary vocational programs. Its major objective is to provide for enhancement of student performance and development of student competencies in scientific applications of current and emerging technology in preparation for the scientifically and technically advanced employment arena.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
000254	Science and Technology	10	753

The Mississippi Department of Education Office of Student Assessment, in cooperation with the Office of Vocational and Technical Education, is developing and implementing a customized vocational assessment program that will provide the basis for supporting Mississippi's progress in attaining its educational goals. The Mississippi Department of Education, under the leadership of the Office of Student Assessment and Vocational and Technical Education, through a committee of practitioners, has selected American College Testing (ACT) to produce a customized assessment program for implementing a vocational (work readiness and occupation-specific) assessment component of the Mississippi Career Planning and Assessment System (CPAS).

The following assessments has been initiated to fully implement the vocational assessment (work readiness and occupation-specific) component of the CPAS in 2001:

•Three Work Keys components (Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information),
•Twenty-four occupational program area performance assessments, and
•Forty-three secondary and forty-three postsecondary occupation-specific assessments tailored to meet Mississippi's needs.

Enrichment Programs provide occupational exploratory experiences and information about technology and the world of work, consumerism, and the free enterprise system and include those programs which foster leadership skills, increase the maturity level of students, decrease dropouts, and promote effective human relations skills, good work habits, and other life-management skills.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
20.0101	Comprehensive Consumer & Homemaking	8	454
21.0101	Technology Education	1	61

Basic Skills programs include a common core of standardized basic skills for entrance into all vocational skill programs or entry into semi-skilled occupations.
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs	Enrollment
00.0263	Basic Vocational Business Commerce	1	246
02.9990	Introduction to Agriculture Science	72	2,649
20.0192	Family & Consumer Sciences	224	33,596

Secondary occupational programs are designed and operated to provide for development of essential, program area specific, occupational and entrepreneurial skills. Enrollment consists of students in grades 10-12. Instruction in these programs is accomplished through structured learning activities that integrate vocational and academic objectives. Upon program completion individuals possess marketable job skills and may choose to enter the workforce or pursue postsecondary education, in directly or indirectly related occupational and technical areas with possibilities for advanced placement, or another postsecondary offering.

Top Half Secondary Occupational Programs in CIP/Program Numerical Order
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs
10101	Agriculture Business and Management, General	15
10204	Agricultural Power Machinery Operator	26
10601	Horticulture, General	17
30401	Forest Harvesting and Production Technology	12
80705	General Retailing Operations	29
159991	Technology Applications	54
200201	Child Care and Guidance Workers and Managers	40
200301	Clothing, Apparel, and Textiles Workers	24
200401	Institutional Food Workers and Administrators	37
460201	Carpentry	12
460302	Electrician	8
460490	Building Trades, General	72
470201	Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration	4
470603	Auto/Automotive Body Repairer	19
470604	Automotive Mechanics	57
470699	Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanic	18
480101	Drafting, General	26
480508	Welder/Welding Technologist	16
511699	Health Cluster (Nursing, Other)	86
520408	General Office/Clerical and Typing Services	103
520902	Hotel/Motel and Restaurant Management	2
521201	Management Information Systems and Business Data	1

Bottom Half Secondary Occupational Programs in CIP/Program Numerical Order
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs
10301	Agricultural Production Workers and Managers	43
10303	Aquaculture Operations and Production Management	1
10401	Agricultural and Food Products Processing	2
20101	Agriculture Science	50
20201	Agricultural Animals AEST	4
20401	Agricultural Plants AEST	7
29999	Concepts of Agricultural Science AEST	8
30102	Agricultural Environment AEST	3
100199	Electronic Communications Production	1
120403	Cosmetologist	1
150607	Plastics Technology	1
200602	Elder Care Provider/Companion	1
200604	Custodial/Caretaker Services	1
460101	Mason and Tile Setter	9
470190	Electronics	12
470390	Industrial Maintenance Trades	5
470605	Diesel Engine Mechanics	2
470606	Small Engine Mechanic and Repairer	4
470692	Marine Engine Mechanics	1
480201	Graphic and Printing Equipment Operators	6
480503	Machine Shop Assistant	4
480590	Metal Trades	45
480790	Furniture Manufacturing and Upholstery	3

These rankings are based on Mississippi Employment Security Commission estimates of employed and projected to be employed data by CIP Code for the period 1995-2000, combined with Final Vocational Program Enrollment data for the 1999-2000 school year. Program rankings presented in this table do not reflect program quality. Care should be exercised in the use of these data for decision-making purposes. If more information is needed, please contact the Office of Vocational and Technical Education.
 

Postsecondary occupational programs are designed and conducted to provide beginning, advanced, and technical, program area specific, occupational and entrepreneurial preparation for skilled/technical occupations. These programs are developed to reflect current and emerging technologies in order to address the needs of industry and other employers. State-of-the-art technology used in industry and integrated academic components are incorporated in the curriculum. Upon completion of a postsecondary occupational program, individuals have made preparation to enter skilled/technical level occupations.

Top Half Postsecondary Programs in CIP/Program Numerical Order
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs
10501	Agricultural Supplies Retail and Wholesale	1
10601	Horticulture, General	3
10605	Landscaping Operation and Management	3
30401	Forest Harvesting and Production Technology	5
80102	Fashion Merchandising	2
81203	Vehicle Parts and Accessories Marketing Operations	2
120402	Barber/Hairstylist	4
120403	Cosmetology	14
131501	Teacher Assistant/Aide	1
150303	Electrical, Electronic and Communications Technology	19
150404	Instrumentation Technology	3
150405	Robotics	2
200201	Child Care and Guidance Workers and Managers	16
200401	Institutional Food Workers and Administrators	5
220103	Paralegal/Legal Assistant	5
460201	Carpenter	9
460302	Electrician	14
460501	Plumber and Pipefitter	4
470201	Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration	14
470302	Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Repairer	3
470603	Auto/Automotive Body Repairer	11
470604	Auto/Automotive Mechanic Technology	19
470605	Diesel Engine Mechanics	4
470692	Marine Engine Mechanics	2
480101	Drafting, General	20
480303	Upholsterer	1
480508	Welder/Welding Technologist	23
490202	Construction Equipment Operator	2
490205	Trucks/Bus/Other Commercial Vehicles	6
510601	Dental Assistant	2
510707	Medical Records Technology	3
510806	Physical Therapy Assistant	4
510904	Emergency Medical Technology	6
510907	Medical Radiologic Technology	8
510908	Respiratory Therapy Technician	10
510909	Surgical/Operating Room Technician	6
511004	Medical Laboratory Technology	7
511613	Practical Nurse (LPN Training)	26
511614	Nursing assistant/Aide	2
520401	Administrative Assistant/Secrretarial	34
520404	Medical Administrative Assistant/Secretarial	1
520801	Finance, General	1
520902	Hotel, Motel and Restaurant Management	8
521201	Management Information Systems and Business Data	14
521401	Business Marketing and Marketing Management	14

Bottom Half Postsecondary Programs in CIP/Program Numerical Order
 

Program Code	Program Name	Number of Programs
10102	Agricultural Business and Management, General	2
10104	Farm and Ranch Management	1
10299	Agricultural Mechanization, Other	2
10302	Agricultural Animal Husbandry/Production	1
10303	Aquaculture Operations and Production Management	1
10492	Food Products (Meats, Certificate)	2
10607	Turf Management	1
30509	Wood Science & Pulp/Paper Technology	1
100104	Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology	1
100190	Telecommunication	2
120301	Funeral Services and Mortuary Science	5
150101	Architectural Engineering Technology	3
150201	Civil Engineering/Civil Technology	2
150402	Computer Maintenance Technology	2
150507	Environmental and Pollution Control	1
150603	Industrial/Manufacturing Technology	3
150690	Automated Furniture Manufacturing	1
159999	Engineering Related Technology-Other	1
190705	Gerontology	1
200301	Clothing, Apparel and Textiles Workers	2
460101	Mason and Tile Setter	5
460301	Electrical/Power Trans Installer	1
470103	Communications System Installer	3
470390	Industrial Maintenance Trades	5
470391	Well Drilling	1
470408	Watch, Clock and Jewelry Repairer	1
470608	Aircraft Mechanic/Technician (Powerplant)	2
470690	Auto Machinist	3
470699	Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Mechanics	2
480201	Graphic and Printing Equipment Operators	1
480208	Printing Press Operator	1
480501	Machinist/Machine Technologist	1
480503	Machine Shop Assistant	13
480506	Sheet Metal	2
480507	Tool and Die Making	4
500402	Graphic Design, Commercial Art	3
510602	Dental Hygienist	2
510801	Medical Assistant	2
510803	Occupational Therapy Assistant	2
510805	Pharmacy Technician/Assistant	1
510808	Veterinarian Assisting/Animal Health	1
511801	Opticianry/Dispensing Optician	1
520302	Accounting Technology	1
520803	Banking and Financial Support Services	1

These rankings are based on Mississippi Employment Security Commission estimates of employed and projected to be employed data by CIP Code for the period 1995-2000, combined with Final Vocational Program Enrollment data for the 1999-2000 school year. Program rankings presented in this table do not reflect program quality. Care should be exercised in the use of these data for decision-making purposes. If more information is needed, please contact the Office of Vocational and Technical Education.