The Connecticut Technical High School System
(CTHSS) ensures each ninth grade student participates in the technology exploratory
program. The exploratory program introduces each student to the goals
and objectives for each trade/technology; provides an objective measure of
student performance and a measure of potential for success for each student
in all trades/technologies.
The ninth grade exploratory year is viewed as
an extension of the admission process that serves as (1)
a verification of the student’s desire for a technical education and
(2) as an assessment of technical aptitudes. The exploratory program is divided
into three phases: Phase I gives students career information on each trade
technology offered; Phase II gives each student a hands-on experience in
three trade technology areas; and, Phase III gives students a permanent placement to
begin the study of a trade/technology that he/she will concentrate on for
the next three years.
Please Note: In order for a student to
continue in the CTHSS beyond grade nine, he/she must successfully complete
the exploratory program. Successful completion is defined as a grade
of 60 or higher in Phase III, as well as a cumulative grade of 60 or higher
in the exploratory program. Failure to successfully complete the exploratory
program will make it necessary for a student to transfer back to his/her
sending district.