The career clusters model

The career clusters model was designed with the goal to “Prepare learners of all ages for the information age as schools, colleges, and employers are striving for higher achievement in science, math and communication. One key to improving learner achievement is providing learners with relevant contexts for studying and learning. Career Clusters offer a context by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for continue success” (States’ Career Cluster, 2003). By using their pathways model in agriculture, food, and natural resources, Figure 2, a foundation was established of where to base the New York State standards. The goal of the agriculture, food, and natural resources pathways is to encompass, “The production, processing, marketing, distribution, financing, and development of agricultural commodities and resources including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources, horticulture, and other plant and animal products/resources.” These areas seem to represent all the diverse areas within the state.