Special Needs
At-Risk Information

Area Career Education Technical Learning Center 

The career education Area Technical Learning Center program provides financial assistance for eligible local education agencies to develop, implement, and operate programs designed to prevent students from leaving school without a diploma and to encourage those who have left early to return and complete their education. The program must include career awareness activities and the opportunity for enrollment into a career skill training program. Financial assistance is provided to local education agencies that have Missouri State Board of Education designation as an area career education school district.

Resident districts can receive state aid for students who qualify to a maximum of six hours per day. The funds generated by attendance at the learning center can be transferred by the resident district to the learning center. Attendance does not have to fall within the regular hours of attendance at the resident district.

Transportation may be provided by the resident district and claimed for state aid.

Programs that are approved must:

Serve the target population

Provide local in-service training for teachers,

     counselors, and administrators in dropout
     prevention

Disseminate and/or provide information relating to

     successful methods and techniques to other local

     education agencies. A common activity is to invite

     others to visit and observe the program operation.

Activities that may be provided for individuals include:

Counseling services to assist students to make decisions and adjustments that allow them to reach their full potential. Students are helped to identify careers that most appropriately fit interests and abilities. Instruction is provided in Workplace Readiness.

 

Assessment includes evaluation of prior and current skills, knowledge, and interests through educational and occupational assessments. Assessment data provides the basis for further education and training.

 

Basic skills instruction can be provided in any academic area. Mathematics, communications, and science are critical for students in career education programs. The use of applied curriculum materials and individualized instruction are encouraged. Technology provides the opportunity for districts to customize instruction and use alternative approaches to instruction.

 

Other strategies that the local education agency may identify which will benefit students. Innovative as well as proven practices can be implemented.

Individuals eligible to receive services include the following:

A student currently enrolled in school, identified as
     a potential dropout and experiencing difficulty with:

Academics
Discipline
Social conditions
Economic conditions
Other areas that relate to a students ability to become a productive member of the workforce after graduation

An individual who has dropped out of school, is

     currently of school age, and is willing to re-enroll in

     his/her resident district.

An individual who has or does not have a high
     school diploma or its equivalent and is
     experiencing difficulty in:

Finding a job
Sustaining employment
Wishes to further his/her career training

Factors that are important to the success of the program include:

Qualified and motivated staff

The use of technology and other unique and
     innovative techniques to produce benefits that
     address educational problems and needs

Program goals/objectives that contribute to
     improved educational activities for students

Student performance and achievement in such

     subjects as mathematics, science,
     communication, and technologies

High school graduation or equivalent

Career training and placement of students in
      jobs including military service

Successful transition of students to postsecondary

      educational programs

Applications for programs are evaluated on the content of an Alternative Education Instruction Plan. Special consideration is given to programs that include the following:

Special support services such as counseling,

     assessment, basic skills instruction, and services
     that address barriers to learning that are necessary
     to help individual students enter and successfully
     complete a  career education program.

Measures to integrate basic and academic skills

     instruction with career education.

A Year-End Report must reflect student outcomes and be submitted by June 30 each year.

The program administrator will be the career education director or assistant career education director. Programs will be reviewed by staff from Special Needs, Division of Career Education, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.