FILES

• Exploratory Schedule (as of 8/30/21)
• Required Shop Safety Equipment and Clothing for Exploratory Students

Description

All incoming freshmen at Diman participate in an Exploratory program.  They will have the opportunity to experience approximately ten programs, some selected by the student and some assigned by the school.  After every cycle completed, the program instructor will evaluate students in the following areas: quality of work, effort, potential, conduct/aptitude, and amount of work completed.  After the Exploratory program has ended, the student will be asked to select a program that he/she wishes to be placed in permanently.  Final program placement is based upon the performance of the student, the recommendation of the shop instructor, and the desire of the student to enter the selected program.

WHAT? An opportunity for Grade 9 students to experience twelve shop programs

WHEN? Between September and December

HOW? Students will spend 3 - 4 days in each shop program

WHY? To have students experience twelve of our eighteen vocational areas before they make their selection of top six shops preferred. During the Exploratory Program, students will be placed in the three shops that they selected on their applications. The remaining shops will be selected randomly.=

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM?

Students are evaluated by their shop teachers. Students will receive a score ranging from 8-56 for each shop explored (based on their performance). It is important for students to remember to do their best in all vocational areas, even in vocational areas that are not of interest. Cumulative points are used towards a score in determining final placement of the students.

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM?

In December after exploring twelve shops, students will be asked to list, in order of preference, six vocational programs in which they would like to be placed.

When students return from vacation in January, they will receive their permanent shop assignment, which will be determined by shop interest, shop openings and total points earned during exploratory experience.

WHAT SPECIAL CLOTHING DO I NEED FOR THE EXPLORATORY PROGRAM? 

During the Exploratory Program, students will be expected to purchase and wear steel-toe safety shoes. These are available at various stores in the area. Required safety glasses can be purchased at Diman for half price.

Parents are encouraged to purchase clothing for their children that will provide appropriate protection in the shops being explored. (Please refer to the clothing requirement sheet for more detailed information.)

Copies of admission's policy are available in the guidance office, or online here.

GRADE 9 EXPLORATORY SAMPLE

Cody Martin explored (12) shops between September and December. They were: Drafting, Health Careers, Machine Tool Technology, Metal Fabrication & Welding, Plumbing, Business Technology, Graphic Communications, Automotive Collision Repair, Electronics, Building & Property Maintenance, Electricity and Dental Assisting

Cody's shop choices on his application were:

1. Drafting
2. Machine Tool Technology
3. Plumbing

Cody received the following grades/points for the shop programs he explored.

Toward the end of the exploratory program in December, Cody listed his final choices as:

1. Machine Tool Technology
2. Drafting
3. Metal Fabrication & Welding
4. Graphic Communications.
    

Exploratory Shop Points:    572

Forty students listed Machine Tool Technology as their first preference. There are 30 grade 9 openings in Machine Tool Technology. With 572 points, Cody ranks 20th of the 40 students wanting Machine Tool Technology.

Therefore, he will enter Machine Tool Technology in January.

Tyler, who earned a total of 535 points for the twelve programs he explored, also listed Machine Tool Technology as his first Choice. However, he ranks 34th of the 40 students wanting Machine Tool Technology. Since Machine Tool Technology only has 30 openings, Tyler will have to accept some shop other than his first choice. After he has completed a shop cycle, he may request a shop transfer. Placement will be contingent upon space availability and the student's rank order.