A Core Plus program of study uses the power of hands-on learning to better integrate academic and career-based education. Core Plus is an industry-validated, skills-based manufacturing curriculum, with standardized certificate systems to document attainment of learning goals and objectives.
Core Plus offers an ever expanding network for professional development and resource growth for schools and managers, access to employer support services for students and teachers. The curriculum is created by industry for Washington state CTE instructors. The curriculum is housed at OSPI and is available for free to (for) educators.
Core Plus Benefits:
- Industry-validated curriculum;
- Professional development for teachers;
- Employer support for classroom and work-based learning;
- Standardized certificates to document student attainment of personal learning goals and objectives.
- Credit equivalencies in Math, Science and Language Arts that count toward graduation.
Core Plus: It works for everyone.
STUDENTS: Students who love to learn in an applied environment and learn through hands-on instruction will flourish in a Core Plus classroom.
FAMILIES: Core Plus opens pathways to career, apprenticeships, college, and the military. Students graduate with more awareness and more options. The program highlights opportunities in post-secondary education and certificate-based, professional education.
TEACHERS: Core Plus is an industry-validated curriculum that successfully connects teachers, schools and students with local employers.
INDUSTRY: Core Plus is a highly successful, peer-led effort that can meet long-term workforce needs through industry engagement with local schools.
Core Plus History
Core Plus originated as a grassroots effort by Seattle-area industrial employers to “bring back shop class” and invigorate the world of career learning. The Boeing Company was an integral part of the initial creation of the curriculum package, specifically, Core Plus Aerospace. Boeing gifted the curriculum to the State of Washington to ensure equitable access to all schools.
The robust standards of the Core Plus Aerospace curriculum provided a good framework to build additional curriculum, and served as the launch pad for the creation of Core Plus Construction and Core Plus Maritime.
The curriculum package for Core Plus Construction was funded by the Associated General Contractors of Washington Education Foundation. Core Plus Maritime was supported by the Manufacturing Industrial Council of Seattle, the Port of Seattle, and the NW Marine Trade Association.
