The Need-to-Know Before They Go

The National Science Foundation funds advanced technological education (ATE) centers across the country. The directors of these centers stress that high school students should demonstrate several key competencies before they begin a two-year degree program. While possessing certain skills and know-how prepares students for their chosen curricular path, it can also help steer them to a career path. These competencies include:

• applied science and mathematics
• systems thinking
• troubleshooting skills
• communication, teamwork, and other “soft” skills
• computer and data management skills

In this lesson, you’ll use videos and interactive activities to learn how the competencies listed above relate to ATE. You’ll see how various skills are employed in real-world scenarios and better understand how to incorporate this information when planning your curriculum. You will answer questions and take notes throughout the session—record your answers in the space provided and click "Save." You will conclude by planning next steps that will help prepare your students for entering an advanced technological program after high school.