Introduction to Occupations

Q:        When will the last administration of the Introduction to Occupations (IO) State proficiency examination occur?

A:         The final administration of the Introduction to Occupations State proficiency examination will be June 2004.

Q:        What students still need to take and pass the IO examination?

A:            Students who entered ninth grade in 2000 or prior to 2000 who are obtaining a sequence in career and technical education to meet graduation requirements would need to take and pass the IO examination.  However, since the examination is being phased out, those students who fail the examination in June may still obtain sequence credit if they have passed the IO course.

Q:        What course will take the place of IO?

A:         A course tentatively titled, "Career and Financial Management" (CFM) will take the place of  IO in September 2004.  CFM will allow students to document their plans for post high school success, introduce them to the broad-based universal foundation skills (SCANS skills) needed in the workplace, understand how academic skills are used in the world of work and begin to develop the financial literacy skills needed to become responsible consumers and citizens. 

Q:        My district has been teaching Introduction to Occupations but has chosen to change the title. Can we continue to use our previous title while teaching the CFM content?

A:         Yes, school districts have always been able to rename State developed courses to meet their needs.

Q:        Who will need to take the new course?

A:         All students in a career and technical education program need to include CFM in their program.  This includes students substituting a five-unit sequence in career and technical education for the remaining two units of foreign language required for the advanced Regent's diploma.

Q:        Will school districts and BOCES that have gone through the CTE approval process need to include CFM in their sequence?

A:         Yes, all BOCES and school districts with approved CTE programs and those planning on applying for CTE approval must include CFM in their program.

Q:        Where can I learn more about the new course?

A:         The course and feedback form are located at www.emsc.nysed.gov/cis/. School districts and BOCES are encouraged to field test the new course in Spring 2004 and provide feedback to the State Education Department.

Q:        Who can teach CFM?

A:         Only teachers certified in career and technical education may teach the new CFM course.