TSA is a CTSO (Career and Technical Student Association) for Technology Education students. To be involved in TSA, students must be enrolled in or have completed a "tech ed" class in their middle or high school. Technology Education teachers are encouraged to sponsor a TSA chapter to further promote their classes and apply the curriculum.

What is Technology Education?

Technology Education is defined as

• the study of human innovation
• the study of the built environment
• the application of mathematics, science, and existing knowledge to solve problems and extend human capabilities

The purpose of Technology Education is to prepare technologically literate students for success in an ever-changing technological workplace.

Technology Education helps students to be able to:

• better understand complex technologies through the use of the systems approach to problem solving.
• apply design, problem solving, and leadership skills
• assess the implications of technology upon society, the economy, and the environment
• become more knowledgeable citizens and consumers regarding issues of technology
• make wise career decisions

Program Description
Technology Education is designed to help students develop an appreciation and understanding of technology through the study and application of materials, tools, and processes of the past and present. This series of courses allows students to apply knowledge, tools, skills, and insights to the solving of problems found in communication, manufacturing, structural, and transportation systems. Students learn about and from technology, by applying abstract ideas and concepts of mathematics, science, language arts, and social studies. Through this integrated study of technology, students develop an understanding of the importance and role of technology in our society.

Design
Communication skills and problem solving are major focuses of the prerequisite course, Fundamentals of Technology. Emphasis is placed on skills and tools central to technology studies and the systems courses, including interpreting technical communication, problem-solving, modeling, safety, testing instrumentation, and technology assessment necessary for understanding contemporary technologies. The systems courses follow a similar course structure, while developing in-depth skills in the specific areas of communication, manufacturing, structural, and transportation systems. This systematic approach to learning about technology prepares students for the rapidly changing technological world by developing skills necessary for adapting to new technologies as they evolve.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is also an essential component of Technology Education. Through TSA, students learn and apply technical, leadership, social, and civic skills. Students become effective team members through the use and development of interpersonal skills. TSA activities are an integral part of the Technology Education program and relate directly to the program outcomes.

Major Program Outcomes
Programs in Technology Education are designed to help students:

1. Acquire general technological literacy.
2. Access, process, and share information through the use of contemporary tools and processes.
3. Acquire and apply design, problem solving, and leadership skills.
4. Assess the implications of technology upon society, the economy, and the environment.
5. Appreciate the importance of technology and its effect on all aspects of human behavior and systems.
6. Use simple and complex tools and concepts found in communication, manufacturing, structural, and transportation systems.
7. Apply physical and social sciences, mathematics, and language and fine arts concepts and principles in an authentic manner.
8. Make wise career decisions.
9. Become more knowledgeable citizens and consumers regarding issues of technology.
10. Become responsible, participating, and successful citizens.
    

National Voluntary Curriculum Standards

The Technology Education curriculum standards were initiated by the International Technology Education Association (ITEA) and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The project, Technology for All Americans, has created a rationale, structure, and framework for Technology Education K–12. These standards identify what all students should know and be able to do with respect to understanding technology.

Program Uniqueness
Technology Education develops an understanding of complex technologies through the systems approach to problem solving. Student participate in designing, developing, monitoring, assessing, correcting, and improving technological systems.