In Technical Vocational/Comprehensive High Schools Review Committee Report (1987) the following definition was recommended:

Courses of study which, for the majority of time, attempt to teach a skill, apply theory or in some other manner emphasize the practical, constitute the "Practical and Applied." Such courses may be included in the specified Areas of Study or may, like auto mechanics, be independent of any specific academic area. In any event, all new courses of study should clearly display the emphasis on the theoretical and practical that is intended.

Saskatchewan Learning supports the goal of a broad-based general education for all students, one which includes experiences to enable students to be successful in all aspects of life.

Courses in the Practical and Applied Arts are intended to facilitate the practical application of theoretical knowledge; to provide a variety of experiences that will introduce concepts relevant to a student's personal life; and to provide life skills to enable students to deal with a wide variety of situations.

The Practical and Applied Arts should include, but not be restricted to, the subjects within industrial arts, home economics, business education, and technical-vocational education. They are intended to acquaint students with day-to-day aspects of adult life, including employment, family responsibilities and leisure management.

Courses in the Practical and Applied Arts category should:

• Reinforce theory and concepts learned in other areas and apply that theory and those concepts in a practical way
• Emphasize skills and understandings that students will use throughout life and employment
• Incorporate the Common Essential Learnings
• Develop skills in the manipulation of equipment and materials
• Provide opportunities to explore a variety of electives to assist in vocational and avocational choices
• Assist students to meet graduation requirements in various ways
• Provide specialized learnings to assist students to access post-secondary institutions and employment opportunities
• Create and support an attitude for lifelong learning.

Source: "Practical and Applied Arts," Documentation for Educational Policies Committee, April 29, 1989.

5.1.3 Practical and Applied Arts

Practical and Applied Arts courses are an essential element of the basic education of all students and must continue to be an integral part of the curriculum in order to ensure that all students obtain a well-rounded education. Practical and applied arts courses complement academic courses by integrating theory with practice and by giving students an opportunity to apply what they learned in a concrete fashion.

Practical and applied arts courses are a valuable means of addressing the educational needs of the total child. They provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to participate fully in work, leisure and family life activities. They provide students with a number of basic living skills.

Practical and applied arts courses employ a wide variety of learning styles. This is important as not all students assimilate information in the same fashion and certain students will find some teaching methods more effective than others. The education system will be better equipped to meet the needs of all students and to get students’ minds working in as many different ways and areas as possible if it allows students to use as many learning styles as possible.

Beliefs:

1. Practical and applied arts courses support Common Essential Learnings.
2. Practical and applied arts courses are an essential component of a broad general education.
3. All students should be given the opportunity to participate fully in practical and applied arts courses.
4. Practical and applied arts courses accommodate different learning styles of students by providing a variety of experience.
5. Practical and applied arts courses emphasize a cross-disciplinary approach to education.
6. Collaboration with business, industry and the public is important to ensure students receive relevant career preparation.
7. University entrance requirements should reflect the contents of the school curricula and be facilitative of all student options.
8. Practical and applied arts courses facilitate the preparation of students who will be going directly into the workforce.
9. Certified teachers should utilize non-teaching specialists, where appropriate, as resources for program delivery.
10. Students’ rights, welfare and needs are the priorities in work experience and apprenticeship venues.
11. All students should develop skills in the manipulation of tools, machines and materials.