Smaller LearningCommunities

The Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) Grant is a grant from the U. S. Department of Education to restructure the high school into smaller units called career clusters. The goals of the project are to enhance academic achievement, increase academic rigor, and create a better school climate. The Smaller Learning Communities concept comes out of research that demonstrates that students learn better and retain more when they learn things in context, when they know why they are learning. Click on the link below to go the AACPS Smaller Learning Communities.

AACPS Smaller Learning Communities

The five career clusters are listed below. You can click on the title of the career cluster to obtain detailed information on the AACPS website.

	Arts, Communications, and Humanities People in the Arts, Communications and Humanities cluster design, produce, perform, exhibit, write, and create multimedia content. In communications careers, they design and work on ways to get information to audiences. Language, literature and philosophy are also included in this cluster *Examples of Career Choices: Journalist, Artist, Disc Jockey, Composer, Dancer, Actor, Poet, Musician, Designer, Cartoonist, Drafter, and many, many more.*
	Business, Management and Finance People in the Business, Management and Finance cluster support private companies, not-for-profit organizations and government agencies by managing people, information and finances. *Examples of Career Choices: Advertising Executive, Accountant, Business Owner, Stock Broker, Insurance Underwriter, Banker, Marketing, Sales, and many, many more*
	Engineering, Mechanical and Information Technologies People in the Engineering, Mechanical and Information Technologies cluster use scientific and technical knowledge and skill to design, manufacture, assemble, inspect, maintain and repair components, structures and facilities. *Examples of Career Choices: Engineer, Computer Assisted Drafter, Biologist, Marine Biologist, Astronomer, Meteorologist, Computer Network Technician, and many, many more.*
	Health, Environmental and Life Sciences People in the Health, Environmental and Life Sciences cluster help people maintain their physical and mental health. Some apply their skills to repair or enhance our natural environment. They also help future generations by researching new ways to improve the quality of life. *Examples of Career Choices: Doctor, Nurse, Nursing Assistant, Chemist, Lab Technician, Forests Technician, Park Ranger, Physician, Veterinarian, and many, many more.*
	Human Services People working in the Human Services cluster provide protective, social, educational, and community services. They provide assistance to individuals, families and communities. Examples of Career Choices: Police Officer, Military, Firefighter, Teacher, Lawyer, Childcare, Barber/Cosmetologist, Social Worker, Physical Therapist, Chef, Chauffer, Trucker, Human Relations Specialist, Counselor, and many, many, more.

This site was last updated 12/12/05

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Arts, Communications, and Humanities

Business, Management and Finance

Engineering, Mechanical and Information Technologies

People in the Engineering, Mechanical and Information Technologies cluster use scientific and technical knowledge and skill to design, manufacture, assemble, inspect, maintain and repair components, structures and facilities.

Health, Environmental and Life Sciences

Human Services