The Career Pathways concept was originated through Tech Prep. Since that time, model standards and benchmarks have been developed through the joint efforts of the Association of Business and Industry (ABI), the Department of Education (DE), Department of Economic Development (DED), Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), including the School-to-Work (STW) Office. As you can see, this is a work in progress. In no way is the Department of Education or the STW Office setting forth a mandate for schools to adopt this model. It is only a model and a resource that is reflective of supporting legislation through School-to-Work, and Chapter 12 of Iowa Code (Comprehensive School Improvement and HF-2272.)

Essential Elements of the Framework:

Academic Knowledge and Skills
A K-12+ structure of basic literacy knowledge and skills related to reading, language, math, and science (at a minimum.)  Actual Knowledge & Skills are developed locally.

Employability Knowledge and Skills
What are the workplace know-how skills needed to succeed in the workplace? A listing of employability standards and benchmarks for all students K-12+.

Career Area Knowledge and Skills
A K-12+ structure of knowledge about the employment sector the student is preparing to explore.

• Health Science
• Engineering/Industrial and Technological Sciences
• Business/Information and Marketing
• Agriscience and Natural Resources
• Family and Human Services
• Arts and Communications

Occupational Cluster Knowledge and Skills
A 9-14 structure of standards and benchmarks, as well as, occupational skills for students who continue their career interest in a broad cluster of related occupations.

• Health Occupations
• Engineering/Industrial and Technological Sciences
• Business/Information
• Marketing
• Agriscience and Natural Resources
• Family and Consumer Services

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Terminology