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Programs of Study
A Program of Study (POS) is a coherent, non-duplicative, and articuated sequence of rigorous academic and career courses, commencing in the ninth grade and leading to an associate degree, and/or an industry-recognized certificate or licensure, and/or a baccalaureate degree and beyond. A Program of Study may include the opportunity for secondary education students to participate in dual or concurrent enrollment to acquire postsecondary education credits.
A Program of Study is developed, implemented, and maintained in partnership among secondary and postsecondary education, business, and employers. Programs of Study are available to all students, including adult learners, and are designed to lead to high wage, high skill, or high demand careers.
An approved Program of Study will provide a road map for a student to follow through each year of study, regardless of the student's entry point. Individual POS are customized and lead from broad skills and knowledge foundations within a pathway to specific skills in designated career options.
(Key definition provided by the Program of Study Transitions Institute 2007)
During the transition year (2007-08), Washington state will have a five-year plan in place to implement the standards required by the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Improvement Act of 2006. Developing programs of study at the local level is one of the main focuses of this new legislature. There will be training available to help local consortia develop their POS. In the meantime, the following links serve as resources to help the consortium members understand the framework of POS.
For questions or comments about this page, please contact
Ying-Chen Milbrath, 509-547-0511, ext. 2559, Direct phone: 509-542-4559