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). The secondary program in Custodian/Caretaker Services prepares individuals enrolled at the Mississippi School for the Deaf for entry-level employment or continuing education in a variety of fields in the horticulture and business maintenance industry. Students enrolled in the program participate in a variety of instructional activities including lectures, discussions, laboratory experiences at the school, and work-based learning activities in the field such as field trips and shadowing experiences according to his/her Individualized Education Program (IEP). Students also receive supplementary instruction and reinforcement of learning through activities in the Junior National Association of the Deaf (Jr. NAD). Content areas covered in the two-year program may require three years due to the nature of the IEP. Custodian/Caretaker Services I (Horticulture) topics include: plant structure and growth, plant propagation, pest management, residential/commercial care, floristry, greenhouse crops and management, vegetable production, and plantscaping. Custodian/Caretaker Services II (Landscape and Building Maintenance) topics include: nursery/landscape plants, landscape maintenance, plant identification, turfgrass installation and maintenance, building maintenance safety, floor and upholstery care, and bathroom care. Appended are: (1) 2004 ASE/NATEF Medium/Truck Technician Standards; (2) Academic Standards; (3) Workplace Skills for the 21st Century; and (4) National Educational Technology Standards for Students. (Contains 7 footnotes.)