Abstract

Implementing MSJC GIS Career Pathway Model in Banning School District
Track: Teaching with GIS in Schools
Authors: Seth Wiafe, Felicia Adkins, Joyce Johnson, Lori Benson, Michael Conner

In an effort to increase the quantity and quality of GIS skilled workforce in Riverside county, Mt. San Jacinto College (MSJC) developed a GIS Career Pathway model based on collaboration between School Districts, 2 and 4 year colleges, and local businesses as a response to anticipated county-wide surge in the demand for specialists in geotechnologies in the coming years. The model was used as a roadmap to integrate local community resources and educational programs to meet the spatial literacy competent workforce needed. Based on the model, Banning Unified School District (BUSD) approved to implement GIS program in their schools beginning Fall 2010. This paper describes the strategies and process of implementing the MSJC GIS model in BUSD. We will also discuss the challenges and lessons learned for addressing GIS teacher shortage, software and hardware issues, college GIS course preparation while initiating the model at Nicolet Middle and Banning High schools.