With the passing of another fiscal year, the Research and Curriculum Unit (RCU) has experienced change. With a transformation in leadership, the RCU remains dedicated to the same mission of improving career and technical education in Mississippi, preparing students to be competitive in the 21st century workforce, and continuing workforce development efforts throughout the state. With the economic downturn felt statewide, Mississippi students—now more than ever—need to leave high school prepared for college, career, or both. In support of better preparing students for the future, the RCU supports the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) in providing research and developing secondary and postsecondary curricula and assessments as well as generic and customized industr y training materials. As part of the College and Career Readiness initiative, ever yone in the state will utilize all resources possible to work together in moving forward. Academics and career and technical education are not separate entities; they work together to ensure the future workforce of Mississippi is ready and able to serve the state’s business and industry needs. The Workforce Education section will continue to develop educational materials that serve the needs of all students. Assessments developed through the Mississippi Assessment Center also will be aligned to rigorous standards, and performance-based assessments are being developed and piloted in Early Education and Polymer Science. In addition, the Leadership and Workforce Development staff continues to work with state businesses and industries in developing training media and providing educational services. Those materials and services are offered through various delivery methods to provide the most versatile training possible. The Mississippi Workforce University Web portal serves as a resource for the myriad modules and other services offered. Online delivery also is increasing in Professional Learning as educators are offered professional development opportunities in an online setting as well as in more traditional face-to-face environments. The RCU will continue to work with MDE in providing an all-out effort to achieve its mission of improving education in the state of Mississippi.
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