The Merced County Regional Occupational Program is a workplace learning program that has been in continuous operation since 1973. ROP students learn to work through practical experience. After basic classroom instruction, many students are placed at work sites throughout the community and are taught occupational skills by professionals in the field.
WASC: Western Accreditation of Schools and Colleges
Merced County ROP was granted a six-year term of accreditation with midterm review in June of 2002. This accreditation will expire on June 30, 2008.
Highlights of Merced County ROP
- Serves all comprehensive, continuation, and community high schools in Merced County and Chowchilla High School in Madera County
- Total ROP students served in 2004-2005 was 3,428 high school and 1,131 adult students
- Total high school students participating in a community classroom (on-the-job training) was 2,101 or 61% of active high school student enrollment
- Employs 43 District Teachers and 23 Merced County Office of Education Teachers
- Offers 42 different courses in six Career Pathways
Philosophy
Merced County ROP delivers innovative educational programs to high school and adult students in preparation for 21st century careers, higher education, and life-long learning.
Program Goals
- Develop academic, technical and interpersonal skills
- Secure employment
- Upgrade skills
- Enter advanced career-technical training
- Pursue college related courses
ROP ESLRs - Expected School-Wide Learning Results
All ROP courses strive to assist students to develop General Workplace Skills related to a particular career area so they can become:
- An Ethically and Socially Skilled Person
- A Productive and Safe Worker
- A Lifelong Learner
- A User of Technology and Resources
- An Effective user of Systems
Leadership Development
All ROP courses strive to assist students to become future leaders. Leadership training and opportunities are available to all students and include:
- DECA - Distributive Education Clubs of America
- FFA - Future Farmers of America
- VICA - Vocational Industrial Clubs of America
- FBLA - Future Business Leaders of America
- FHA-HERO - Future Homemakers of America
- ROP Business Club
- California Teacher’s Association Club Ed
- Careers in Interior Design Club
- Health Careers Club
- People Helping People