Rigorous Programs of Study (RPOS) Fact Sheet

Purpose: The purpose of the Rigorous Program of Study (RPOS) is to develop a long term personal plan of study that will assist all CTE students in becoming college and career ready. It will strengthen the collaboration between secondary, postsecondary, and industry which will enhance current and future CTE pathways through professional development, resources, and support. Using a 10 part framework, RPOS will improve CTE pathways at the teacher, pathway, and district level while providing students with a clear plan of academics, certifications, and technical skills to be successful in a global economy.

Benefits of Student Participation:

Students who take part in a RPOS while in high school:

· Develop a plan of study within a CTE pathway, academic courses, and a postsecondary program that guides their educational choices from 8th grade to at least 14th grade;

· Earn postsecondary credit while in high school;

· Develop a strong foundation of academic and CTE content through a non-duplicative progression;

· Expand understanding of career/work options available and the need for postsecondary training in order to be marketable in today’s workforce;

· Demonstrate competent use of technology, effective communication, and critical thinking skills;

· Make real-world connections between careers and the classroom through industry based technical skills and area business involvement;

· Develop new skills and obtain certifications/ credentials beneficial to their career futures;

What does a RPOS pathway and school look like?

Schools that implement RPOS for pathways would:

· Support growing CTE pathways that meet current business and industry standards through partnerships and community connections;

· Provide guidance counselors resources to help students make informed decisions on careers and education within a complete plan of study;

· Offer professional learning experiences, technical skills, and certifications for students;

· Include community business and industry as active partners in CTE pathways;

· Provide ongoing professional development and certifications for teachers that align with current workforce and economic trends;

· Blend academic and CTE common core into and across pathway curriculum that transitions smoothly to postsecondary.

· Use a variety of assessments and data analysis for continuous evaluation to guide improvement and growth of CTE pathways.

RPOS Impact On:

RPOS implementation aligns with the 5 R’s (Relationships, Relevance, Responsive Culture, Results, and Rigor):

CTE Teachers— Professional development in pathway skills and pedagogy are essential to keep knowledge relevant and to promote involvement with community, business, and pathway related industry. Provide real-world opportunities for students through relationships with business and industry stakeholders while promoting CTSO involvement that helps guide students to successful futures.

CTE Pathways— All students create a rigorous plan of study that guides them through a blend of pathway and common core curriculum, while attaining industry recognized certificates/ credentials and postsecondary credit. Guidance from business and industry advisory committees help to build and sustain the pathway while increasing the number of concentrators.

School Districts— Recognize and support CTE pathways, innovative best practices, and teachers through policies and procedures developed through collaboration with business and industry. Provide career and college readiness resources for students and parents through CTE marketing plans. Accountable for accurate and reliable data reporting to assist in decision making using the Kansas MTSS.

Implement RPOS through 10 Frameworks:
Schools can implement a RPOS by following the 10 frameworks and completing a framework self-assessment:

1.  Legislation & Policies

2.  Partnerships

3.  Professional Development

4.  Accountability and Evaluation Systems

5.  College and career Readiness Standards

6.  Course Sequences

7.  Credit Transfer Agreements

8.  Guidance Counseling and Academic Advisement

9.  Teaching and Learning Strategies

10.  Technical Skills Assessments


10 Framework information available at: http://cte.ed.gov/nationalinitiatives/rposdesignframework.cfm
Self-Assessment information available at: http://cte.ed.gov/docs/POSLocalImplementationTool-9-14-10.pdf

Who to Contact with Questions:

· Martin Kollman, Ed. Program Consultant
or 785-296-2307

· Karmey Olson, Ed. Program Consultant
or 785-296-2883

Drafted on 04/2012