Advancing Careers in Technology and Science (ACTS)

德克萨斯州中北部学院(NCTC)、格雷森县学院(GCC)、北得克萨斯大学(UNT)和科林县社区学院(CCCC)正在实施ACTS项目。此外，服务于40多个高中学区的地区技术预科联盟也是合作伙伴。这些机构的学生总数超过8万人。ACTS强调了20世纪熟练的“蓝领”技术员的角色变化，以反映21世纪高科技技术员(被确定为“金领”)在影响数学和科学教育要求方面所扮演的重要新角色。因此，ACTS的主要目标是：1)发起以社区为基础的运动，促进一种承认21世纪高科技技术价值的新思维模式；2)通过将技术在中学和中学后教育中的实际应用结合起来，振兴数学和科学课程。提高学生对技术和科学教育和职业的兴趣和成功是预期的结果。流程、课程和计划材料正通过国家陈述、区域研讨会和与国家合作伙伴的接口进行传播。ACTS项目使其有效性最大化的独特做法包括：1)垂直营销计划正在推动“金领”技术人员的新时代。这是由包括中学、社区学院、大学和行业合作伙伴在内的所有合作伙伴设计的，并为所有合作伙伴设计，这扩大了学生的意识和机会。2)由高中教师、社区学院和大学的教职员工以及来自不同行业的代表组成的多层次课程设计团队对于减少学科材料的重复和开发具有真正多出口职业道路的技术准备计划非常重要。3)非传统的教职员工/教师交流为技术准备计划和大学课程融入高中水平提供了至关重要的联系。为期一周的中学教师和中学后教师之间以及不同机构教师之间的小型交流促进了理解。老师们更清楚地看到他们的学生必须准备做什么。4)非传统教职员工不仅在行业工作，而且在企业培训环境中授课，暴露了该行业当前的进步以及不同的课程交付和教学方法。

North Central Texas College (NCTC), Grayson County College (GCC), and the University of North Texas (UNT), and Collin County Community College (CCCC) are implementing the Advancing Careers in Technology and Science (ACTS) Project. In addition, area tech-prep consortia serving over 40 high school districts are partners. These institutions represent a combined student body of over 80,000 students. ACTS emphasizes the changing role of the 20th century skilled "blue-collared" technician to reflect the vital new role that the high-tech 21st century technician (identified as "gold-collared") is playing in influencing educational requirements in mathematics and science. Thus, the primary goals of ACTS are: 1) to initiate community based campaigns that promote a new mind-set that recognizes the value of 21st Century high-tech technicians and 2) to revitalize mathematics and science curriculum by interlocking practical applications of technologies in secondary and post-secondary education. Increasing both students' interest and success in technology and science education and careers are the intended outcomes. Processes, curriculum, and program materials are being disseminated through state presentations, regional workshops, and interfaces with national partners.Unique practices of the ACTS Project that maximize its effectiveness include:1) A Vertical marketing initiative is promoting the new era of "gold-collared" technicians. Designed by and for all partners including secondary schools, community colleges, universities and industry partners, this is expanding student awareness and opportunities.2) Multi-level curriculum design teams composed of high school teachers, faculty from community colleges and universities, and representatives from various industries are important in reducing duplication of subject materials and in developing tech-prep programs with true multi-exit career paths.3) Non-traditional faculty/teacher exchanges provide the vital connection for tech-prep programs and college courses integration into the high school level. One week mini-exchanges between secondary teachers and post-secondary faculty and between faculty at different institutions promote understanding. Teachers see more clearly what their students must be prepared to do. 4) Non-traditional faculty externships with faculty not only working in industry, but also teaching in corporate training environments, exposes the externs to current advances in the industry and different curriculum delivery and instructional methods.