Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through increased requirements for mastery and attainment of competency as documented through both formative and summative assessments. The courses in this document reflect the statutory requirements as found in Section 37-3-49, Mississippi Code of 1972, as amended (Section 37-3-46). In addition, this curriculum reflects guidelines imposed by federal and state mandates (Laws, 1988, ch. 487, Section 14; Laws, 1991, ch. 423, Section 1; Laws, 1992, ch. 519, Section 4 effective from and after July 1, 1992; Carl D. Perkins Vocational Education Act III, 1998; and No Child Left Behind Act of 2001). Machine Tool Operation prepares a student for entry-level employment in machining careers and/or for further study at the postsecondary level. Emphasis is on safety, math, measuring tools and instruments, hand and bench tools, blueprint reading, lathe operations, milling operations, lay out, grinding machine operations, and computerized numerical control (CNC). The content of the Machine Tool Operation curriculum framework follows the recommended national standards as formulated by the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), www.nims.org. Students that complete the Machine Tool Operation curriculum will be eligible for NIMS Level I certification. The NIMS Website, has materials (blueprints; Level I, II, and III Skills) that can be printed and used in class. Appended are: (1) National Institute for Metalworking Skills Standards; (2) Academic Standards; (3) Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; and (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. A list of suggested references is provided for each unit. (Contains 7 footnotes.)