Academic/Technical Education: A Partnership Approach for a Truck and Diesel Technology Program by Chicago Public School System and International Truck and Engine Corporation * 2001-01-2718

In an effort to revitalize academic/technical education, to have it closer reflect the needs of students entering post secondary education programs, and to prepare other career minded students for industry positions, the Chicago Public School system under the direction of Mr. Paul Vallas, CEO, sought the assistance of industry leaders to assist his endeavor. He was interested in having academic/technical education programs feature state of the art technology and reflect “world of work” methods. The focus was to cultivate skills and competencies that would qualify students for employment, or meet their post-secondary education needs.

This paper describes the partnership formed between the Chicago Public School system and International Truck and Engine Corporation. Mr. John R. Horne, Chairman, President and CEO, viewed the request as one addressing a meaningful need and provided an opportunity for International to support the community and City of Chicago. He has directed the program progress since it's inception.

The paper describes the approach employed to develop the program, from its inception through implementation, and as an on-going course. The program is a three-year course of instruction for Medium/Heavy Duty Truck and Diesel Engine Technicians, offered to students at the Chicago Vocational Career Academy (CVCA) High School.

Described in this paper are the program curriculum, daily lesson plans, and the approach to classroom instruction that includes the support from experienced industry personnel. It describes some unique equipment developed to stimulate student participation. It describes the facility, with the arrangement and function of its classrooms and laboratories. Included in the program are summer internships for juniors, Education To Careers program for seniors and full-time employment for graduates. The importance of having mentors counsel and support students is discussed.

The approach to establishing formal articulation agreements (university credit for course work at CVCA) between CVCA and post secondary schools is discussed. The paper includes a discussion on the team approach that enabled the program to earn Master Certification with Academic Recognition by the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF).

The Class of “2001” represents a program milestone, i.e., they were the first graduates.