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Career Clusters

Career Clusters are broad occupational groupings based on a set of common knowledge and skills required for a broad group of careers. Wisconsin has adopted the National 16 Career Clusters that also serve as a tool for organizing curriculum and instruction. Career clusters provide opportunities for all students regardless of their career goals and interests. They are a tool for a seamless educational system that blends rigorous academic/technical preparation, provides career development, offers options for students to experience all aspects of a business or industry, and facilitates/assists students and educators with ongoing transitions.

Why Career Clusters?
Career Clusters prepare students for the information age as schools, colleges, and employers are striving for higher achievement in science, math and communication for their 21st century workforce. One key to improving student achievement is providing students with relevant contexts for studying and learning. Career Clusters offer a context by linking school-based learning with the knowledge and skills required for continued success from high school to work or post-secondary education.

Students may use Career Clusters to investigate a wide range of career choices. The Career Cluster approach makes it easier for students to understand the relevance of their required courses and helps them select their elective courses more wisely. 

More Relevant
Sometimes students struggle to find the relevance that coursework will have on their future. Too often students graduate unprepared for challenging careers and the rigors of continued learning. West Allis-West Milwaukee School District promotes student success by relating students' educational experiences to their future goals and aspirations. Seeing the relevance of education, more students may reach high levels of performance, thus closing the achievement gaps. 

Resources

WI DPI Career Clusters and Pathways
Advanced CTE - Career Clusters