The Platinum Standard
What are the elements of excellence in skilled trades teaching and learning in U.S. public high schools?
Start with a terrific teacher who…
• Loves the subject matter, students, and their possibilities.
• Is highly skilled, knowledgeable, and able to teach and adapt approved curriculum.
• Is supported by their colleagues, principal, and policy; with competitive pay; by a community of practice.
• Seeks opportunities to learn and refresh skills.
• Is valued by and deeply engaged in the community.
Then Match Teachers with Curriculum Relevant to Students’ Career Pathways and Future Work Choices…
And seamless connections to next-step options, including employers, community colleges and universities.
A safe, modern space in which to experiment and build, with modern equipment and tools.
Teacher-student ratios enabling hands-on learning by students, in teams and solo, with meaningful supervision and coaching.
Students who are connected and learning outside of school, with guidance from a skilled tradesperson, with opportunities to showcase skills and knowledge.
Students who have apprenticeships or paid internships.
Resulting in all students gaining a high school diploma and an industry-recognized credential, and with that, opportunity and choices for the future.
The Platinum Standard was created to anchor and guide Harbor Freight Tools for Schools as it evolves
It was developed using Association for Career & Technical Education (ACTE) research, which combined nearly two dozen sets of success indicators related to skilled trades education.
Loves the subject matter, students and their possibilities.
Loves the subject matter, students and their possibilities.
Loves the subject matter, students and their possibilities.
Loves the subject matter, students and their possibilities.
Loves the subject matter, students and their possibilities.