Exploratory Guide (Draft)

Table of Contents

Exploratory Program Steps

Exploratory Guide

Exploratory Program Steps

Exploratory Program Overview

In the Freshman Exploratory Program, Grade 9 students explore all of the CTE programs in the school, learn about the programs and about their own interests and skills, and make program choices. At the end of the Exploratory program, students are placed into the CTE program that will be their home for the rest of their high school experience.



The program is organized in two phases. In Phase 1, students visit each of the programs for a short rotation. At the end of Phase 1, students complete a program choices form, indicating the programs that they would like to explore further. Students are given individual schedules for Phase 2,and participate in longer rotations in their top choice programs. See the exploratory calendar in the Skills Library database at Exploratory Calendar for details about the rotation schedule.

During each rotation, students learn about what to expect in the program. Students will:
~ Learn about career pathways and postsecondary education opportunities related to the program;
~ Participate in some basic hands-on projects to get a flavor of the program;
~ Preview some of the applied science, math and other skills used in the program;
~ Preview some of the safety skills used in the program, and practice basic safety skills via the hands-on project;
~ Tour the shop to learn about projects, equipment, tools and materials they can use in this program; and learn about student opportunities in the program, such as internships, coop experiences, industry-recognized credentials, field trips and special projects and programs;
~ Complete a reflection journal entry via the Skills Library screens.