Professional-Technical Education, A series of education programs designed to prepare students to enter the work force.  The programs contain components which include career information, applied or integrated academic skills, technical training, and safety instruction. 

Career Education, A total educational experience in grades K-12 designed to provide students with information on a variety of occupational and career options available.  Another component of career education is to develop decision making skills which will help match a students skills, interests, and aptitudes to various careers and occupations. 

Tech-Prep, A four-year sequence of instruction with two years at the high school level and two years at he postsecondary level.  This sequence integrates technical skills, applied academics, and career information in specific occupational areas.  Tech Prep allows students to begin a program at high school and transfer to a postsecondary program without unnecessary repetition of learned tasks..

Articulation, A process which allows students to transition from high school programs to similar programs at the postsecondary level.

Curriculum.  The total of activities and instruction which make up the Professional-Technical program. This includes instruction, field trips, work experience, and student organization activities. 

Competency-Based Instruction, A system of instruction with the evaluation system based on the completion of previously identified competencies or outcomes which can be accurately described and verified.  The competencies are selected from tasks required for an occupation which are specific in definition, conditions, and level of completion. Outcome-based and performance-based instruction are similar.

Special Population,  Includes individuals with disabilities, educational and economically disadvantaged students (including foster children) individuals of Limited English proficiency, individuals who participate in programs designed to eliminate sex bias, and individuals in correctional institutions.