PLAnning yOur CArEEr
WH

AT

A

RE
Career Clusters
& Programs of Study
?
in texas, taps (texas achievement plans) will guide students’ high school and
college experiences (see next page). as part of this process, students focus their
studies within a chosen career cluster and program of study.
A
career cluster is a group of occupations and broad seamless course of study from high school into college or other
industries that share certain features. The Education & postsecondary education or training. The electives you choose
Training cluster, for example, includes early childhood can complement your core academic classes to prepare you for
educator and education administrator. Texas has adopted the challenges of the real world of work.
16 career clusters (see back cover), the same ones designated
and developed by the U.S. Department of Education. As review your TAP Each year
the graphic below shows, within each cluster are programs Don’t get locked into a cluster and program of study you don’t
of study, which are more specific groupings of similar like. You should reexamine your TAP at least once a year and
occupations. Think of a program of study as being like a change programs or clusters if your interests have changed.
college major. In Education & Training, you might choose to Choosing a cluster and program of study, even if they change
focus on Teaching & Training in high school and college. later, means that you’ll have a direction in life. The idea is to be
aware of what’s going on in your life and take control of your
related Occupations future. When you know where your education is going and
Each program of study includes a range of related occupations; why, your classes will become more meaningful. You’ll make
teacher is an example of an occupation that falls within contact with students, teachers, and employers who share your
Teaching & Training. Choosing a career cluster and program interest in a particular career area. You’ll have experiences that
of study will help you acquire the knowledge and skills you’ll are fun and exciting. You’ll be on your way to success in school,
need to enter your chosen career. It will allow you to follow a in a career, and in life.
P R O G R A M S O F S T U D Y E X A M P L E O C C U P A T I O N S
Administration & Administrative Support Education Administrator
C L U S T E R
Education Professional Support Services Education Counselor
& Training
Teaching & Training Elementary Teacher
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