Tech Prep and Educational Reform. Reprint Series.

Overview & Synopsis

Tech prep is a new initiative that shows great promise for educational reform. However, "tech prep" is not the new name for vocational education. Tech prep is a new program of articulated education involving 2 years of high school and 2 years of postsecondary preparation that includes a common core of mathematics, science, communications, and technologies designed to lead to an associate degree or certificate in a specific career field. For tech prep to be successful, a philosophical mind-set change must take place among educators, along with the adoption of a new mission for education. Tech prep must not become just another "dumping ground" for students who are not academically inclined. Educators must rethink the educational system and the underlying philosophy for tech prep as part of the educational reform. Education must stand for "world life" rather than for "work life." All students must be prepared to contribute meaningfully to the economy and to their own fulfillment. The major method to accomplish such change will be professional development of educators. (13 references) (KC)