History

• According to Careertech.org, in 1994, the Educate America Act charged a board with creating a series of career clusters that unified similar career types as well as the system of standards and certifications needed to meet each job. Career pathways uses a similar method of grouping careers based on personal interests and aptitudes students display in the classroom.
  
  

Career Clusters

• According to Glencoe.com, career clusters contain 16 individual clusters that contain many individual career types, including government and public administration, agriculture and natural resources and education and training. These clusters are grouped by job similarity and are important in introducing students to occupational options they may not be aware of.
  
  

Career Pathways

• Career pathways are similar to career clusters, though they often include an aptitude or personality test that helps guide the student down a suggested pathway. Each pathway is grouped by interest and ability rather than similarity to other jobs. Students with low self esteem or confusion about their future may find career pathways helpful in discovering their strengths and interests for eventual career opportunities.
  
  

Curriculum Integration

• According to Careerclusters.org, the most important thing for schools to do with clusters and pathways is to integrate classroom instruction into practical applications that relate to real world situations. Students need to be taught things that directly relate to these career pathways and clusters and be reminded of the importance of learning in obtaining a good job.
  
  

Career Pathways in the 21st Century

• In the 21st century, some changes have occurred in career clusters and pathways, including computerization of these systems. Students now use computer databases to learn about occupations as well as the increasing number of skills required for them to stay competitive in the job market.