Institutes of Study

Institutes of Study

Education with a Purpose

Using the Texas College and Career Initiative and Federal Career Clusters as models, the Temple High School Academies program was adapted to establish the Institutes of Study in 2008. The Career Cluster system reorganizes learning around Programs of Study to create education with a purpose. The Institutes offer a seamless route to success in school, career, and life. Through a partnership between students, parents, counselors, teachers, a Texas Achievement Plan is mapped out which includes a high school Program of Study, a post-secondary education or training goal, and a career choice.

Foundation Knowledge Skills

Temple High School offers 13 of the 16 Federal Career Clusters through Institutes. Each Institute has at least one Program of Study that combines rigorous academics with relevant career education courses emphasizing career concentration and/or post-secondary opportunities. Career Programs of Study represent a recommended sequence of courses based on a student’s personal interests and career goals. All Career Clusters emphasize foundation knowledge and skills:

• Employability
• Ethics
• Systems Thinking
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Career Development
• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking
• Information Technology Application
• Legal Responsibilities; Communication
• Safety, Health, Environmentalism

Capstone Experience

Students can receive recognition at graduation with an Institute cord if they complete 4 credits within a Program of Study and complete a Capstone experience. Capstone experiences can include the following:

• Internship
• Research Project
• Senior project
• Participation in one dual credit course
• Cross curricular research project
• Digital portfolio
• Approved competitive event or certification (external evaluation required)

Field Work

• Work-Based Learning through Career Preparation
• Job Shadowing
• Site Visits
• Leadership opportunities through Career Technology (CTE) Student Organizations