Alternative Education
The Vocational Evaluation Center

What is vocational evaluation?
Vocational evaluation is a process to assist special needs and at-risk students identify and explore their unique career interests, aptitudes and skills, and formulate immediate and long-term career goals. Students participate in a comprehensive vocational assessment that may include (but is not limited to) the following elements: psychometric testing, interest testing, aptitude testing, learning style assessment, work sampling, occupational information, and career counseling.

How is a student referred for vocational evaluation?
The Vocational Evaluation Center serves all Virginia Beach City Public Schools' high schools and is currently designed and staffed to provide a comprehensive vocational evaluation for up to two hundred and eighty students per school year. Vocational evaluation referral packets (including referral form, parent permission slip, medical card, and instructions for completing the referral information) are provided to each Virginia Beach high school at the beginning of the school year. Special education teachers obtain parental permission and submit the referral packets for their students. Students in the regular education program should contact their guidance counselors to begin the referral process. Schools are asked to prioritize their students. The students are scheduled on a school-by-school basis, rotating the high schools throughout the school year.

What happens during the vocational evaluation?
Vocational evaluation is conducted in the vocational evaluation lab located at Virginia Beach Central Academy. The assessment may last from three to four days. Students complete career surveys and selected aptitude and achievement tests. However, the greatest emphasis is placed on completion of "hands on" work samples that are representative of different career areas. Students "try out" different job areas and explore their interests and capabilities. Students do not receive grades on their work samples, but the vocational evaluator does share how the individual's performance compares with the performance of others. Students and their vocational evaluator then examine the student's interests, aptitudes, and skills in a realistic but non-threatening way. A focus is placed on making students aware of career training opportunities available through Virginia Beach City Public Schools. Results of the assessment and opportunities for immediate and long-term vocational education and training are discussed in detail. The student and vocational evaluator then formulate specific career objectives and goals. As part of the assessment, students are given the opportunity to tour the vocational training programs located at Virginia Beach Central Academy.

What happens after vocational evaluation?
After the evaluation has been completed, a comprehensive summary of the findings is written detailing the results and recommendations. This report is sent to the referring teacher and the student's guidance counselor. A letter is mailed to the parent/guardian informing them that the report is available for their review. Parents/guardians may call the home school to schedule a conference. If one of the recommendations is for a specific training program at Virginia Beach Central Academy, an application is mailed to the parent/guardian. If one of the recommendations is for a specific training program at the Technical and Career Education Center, students are advised to obtain an application from their guidance counselor. Applications must be signed by the student and parent/guardian and returned to the teacher or guidance counselor at the home school. At Virginia Beach Central Academy, preference for enrollment in training programs is given to junior and senior level students. At the Technical and Career Education Center, grade level requirements are specific to each program.

Vocational evaluators are available to answer questions and assist with re-evaluations throughout the student's high school education. Students may be referred for a vocational re-evaluation of their interests, aptitudes, and skills if the need should arise.


Whom can I contact for additional information about the Vocational Evaluation Center?
Site Coordinator: Lynn Nelson
E-mail: mlnelson@vbschools.com
Virginia Beach Central Academy
273 N. Witchduck Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462
Telephone: 757.473.5058 Fax: 757.473.5111
Office Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 2:50 p.m. Mon. - Fri.