Community classroom (CC) and cooperative vocational education (CVE) have proven to be extremely effective methods of instruction and are unique in that they provide a combination of related classroom instruction and paid or unpaid on-the-job training. In addition to using classroom lectures and demonstration, CC and CVE are seen as important options for the ROP instructor to assist students in both developing occupational competencies and establishing a lifelong connection between education and career and technical preparation.

The CC and CVE methods of instruction enable the educational process to be shared between the ROP instructor and the manager/supervisor/owner of the on-the-job placement training station. The students’ career and technical preparation is, therefore, jointly planned and supervised. This shared responsibility for learning is facilitated through the use of written individualized training plan. The plan ensures that the students at the placement training station experience a progression of learning activities.

These methods of instruction are mutually beneficial not only to students and employers, but also to the TCOVE ROP school districts. Employers have access to a pool of potential employees with proven and documented occupational competencies. Students have attained a realistic understanding of the workplace, developing appropriate work habits and have established training and employment records. The TCOVE ROP districts also benefit in that they can be seen as both being actively involved in community development and in the potential reduction of equipment and facility costs. The CC/CVE instructional methodologies thus provide students access to industry standard training environments while developing work histories and potential employment options, while providing both the area business and TCOVE ROP school districts the opportunity to spearhead community development by assisting students to be better prepared for the world of work or for advanced academic, career or technical education.