Learn to work, work to learn: districts are redefining career connections through today's career and technical education programs.Myth #1--Shop class is populated pop·u·late tr.v. pop·u·lat·ed, pop·u·lat·ing, pop·u·lates 1. To supply with inhabitants, as by colonization; people. 2. with academically challenged students. Myth #2--Career and technical education is inferior to college prep. Whether they're vocalized or not, these statements are common. And today in many districts, they're definitely not facts. Many career programs, including automotive shop, health sciences and construction technology, have evolved to incorporate a strong academic focus. "Career and technical programs are no place for academically ill-prepared students," says Bob Somners, CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. of Butler Technology and Career Development Schools, a Fairfield Township There are many places named Fairfield Township in the United States:
Somners continues, "We like to say that any parents that accept college-prep for their students are lowering their standards." The National Assessment of Vocational Education vocational education, training designed to advance individuals' general proficiency, especially in relation to their present or future occupations. The term does not normally include training for the professions. 2004 report to Congress claims that students who combine strong academic and vocational programs may have better outcomes than those who pursue one or the other. While some districts are witnessing a demise of traditional vocational education programs, others are cultivating a renaissance and busting myths about career and technical education. Consider the facts, says James Stone James Stone is the name of:
the seven decades of Eleanor Pargiter’s life. [Br. Lit.: Benét, 1109] See : Time data has shown that kids who [concentrate] in career and technical education have better economic outcomes than kids who don't. There's also some evidence that indicates that these programs keep kids [who might otherwise drop out of high school] in school." The changing name for these programs is a sure sign of growing respect. Once the Perkins Reauthorization (see sidebar) passes in Congress, schools will officially drop vocational education terminology, going with the career and technical education label instead. "This represents a dramatic shift in philosophy," explains Linda Anderson, director of career and technical education for Birdville Independent School District The Birdville Independent School District is a K-12 public school district based in Haltom City, Texas (USA). It has about 22,000 students in 32 schools. Its superintendent is Stephen F. Waddell. in Haltom City, Texas Haltom City is a city in Tarrant County, Texas, United States. The population was 39,018 at the 2000 census. Geography Haltom City is located at (32.816129, -97.271634)GR1. . There and elsewhere, schools are beefing up programs. Narrowly focused vocational skills programs leading to non-baccalaureate degree careers are being replaced with academically rigorous programs that prepare students for both higher education higher education Study beyond the level of secondary education. Institutions of higher education include not only colleges and universities but also professional schools in such fields as law, theology, medicine, business, music, and art. and the changing workplace by including a high-degree of technology and focusing on high-demand careers. For example, health sciences programs have burst onto the high school campus. These programs typically provide a high degree of academic rigor rigor /rig·or/ (rig´er) [L.] chill; rigidity. rigor mor´tis the stiffening of a dead body accompanying depletion of adenosine triphosphate in the muscle fibers. and a field element for career exploration. The Birdville health sciences program course requirements--which include anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology Medical microbiology is a branch of microbiology which deals with the study of microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites which are of medical importance and are capable of causing diseases in human beings. and medical terminology--certainly hint that the program won't be a breeze. A clinical rotation clinical rotation Medical education A period in which a medical student in the clinical part of his/her education passes through various 'working' services3 in 1-4 month blocks , developed through partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare providers, allows students to take a closer look at a variety of medical careers. Despite the excitement surrounding career and technical programs, they face many challenges. After all, they're not exempt from budget crunches and education reform efforts. How are smart districts managing to prepare students for increasingly high-tech careers with obligatory high-dollar investments in equipment while simultaneously strengthening academic quality? In a word, connections. By partnering with local businesses, regional and national organizations and vocational and community colleges, school districts can provide meaningful, high-quality career and technical education programs. Bonding with Businesses Leaders of Springfield, Mass.' Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School District have grouped the school system with local businesses. "The district is a very active member of the local Chamber of Commerce," says Superintendent Gerald Paist. In fact, the district's construction and carpentry program builds a house for the chamber each year. "This lets us showcase our wares and raises funds for the chamber," he adds. There are many advantages to partnerships with local industry, confirms Stone of the National Research Center. One example: A local car dealer may underwrite an equipment purchase to bolster a district's auto program. Stone continues, "Industry will let you know which credentials and certificates it values. It industry values a credential, then it has value for students. Business partners can also assist with program development and staff training." Take Owatonna (Minn.) Public Schools, for instance. The small-town district partnered with a local manufacturer to create an old-fashioned apprentice program and train the next generation of workers. Stone sums, "This is a program that was born of business involvement in the schools and benefited kids and the community." Other districts are also tuning to the local economy to benefit their students. In New Haven New Haven, city (1990 pop. 130,474), New Haven co., S Conn., a port of entry where the Quinnipiac and other small rivers enter Long Island Sound; inc. 1784. Firearms and ammunition, clocks and watches, tools, rubber and paper products, and textiles are among the many , Conn., district partnerships with local businesses led to a new regional high school. Aquaculture/Sound School preps students for careers in shoreline industries, including boat repair, marine biology marine biology, study of ocean plants and animals and their ecological relationships. Marine organisms may be classified (according to their mode of life) as nektonic, planktonic, or benthic. Nektonic animals are those that swim and migrate freely, e.g. , commercial fisheries and pollution control. Other programs groom students for high-tech careers that can be pursued around the globe. For example, Butler just developed an animation and movie production program to prepare students for careers in video game production, cartoon animation and movie making. It's Certifiable cer·ti·fi·a·ble adj. 1. That can or must be certified. Used of infectious, industrial, and other diseases that are required by law to be reported to health authorities. 2. The old auto-shop model typically entailed tinkering with junk cars and learning about mechanics through exploration. That model, however, does not prepare students to work on the sophisticated cars on the market today. So districts are seeking programs offering students professional certifications. The approximately 300 school districts with Automotive Service Excellence National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) is a professional certification group that certifies professionals in the automotive repair and service industry. programs, for example, commit to providing the latest equipment and ASE-certified instruction. Stone reports, "Students get two things out of these programs: college credit and industry certification. All eight [ASE (Adaptive Server Enterprise) A relational DBMS from Sybase that runs on Windows NT/2000, Linux and a variety of Unix platforms. ASE is a comprehensive and robust data management product with a long history dating back to the late 1980s. ] certifications can land students a $60,000 to $80,000 salary out of high school." It's not just auto program students who are learning the ropes as a pro. In Birdville, tech-savvy high schoolers can earn a Cisco network certification--and a well-paying career--through the district's networking program. Another option propelling students forward in their careers is the dual-credit course. These allow post-secondary school credits to be earned early. In a few dozen states, for instance, nursing students can earn an LPN LPN licensed practical nurse. LPN abbr. licensed practical nurse in high school, and then transfer credits to a state university to earn an RN in two years. Techedemics Dividing program time wisely is the order of the day when it comes to career programs. Paist notes, "One of the biggest challenges is the expectation of high quality academics along with technical studies. We've transitioned from an almost 100 percent emphasis on shop and vocational studies to a combined program that stresses math, science and communication skills." At Pathfinder, students divide their time between technical weeks and academic weeks, with one week devoted to career concentration and the next focused on academics. Districts in Massachusetts want to stay as close as possible to the 50-50 schedule while increasing the emphasis on core academics, in Paist's experience. Pathfinder has met the increased pressure to perform by sending English and math teachers, hired with state funds, into shop areas to help with materials on the state exam. They work with individuals or small groups to reinforce test concepts. For instance, students may get a writing assignment related to customer service. It's an arrangement that Paist says helps struggling students see the relationship between academic concepts and shop, since gauges, meters and other relevant equipment are right there. Shop teachers, who are used to having extra adults in their classrooms, have welcomed the additional assistance. And after students realized the positive impact on their grades, they too looked forward to the extra help. This "techedemics" approach works in other districts, as well. Birdville uses federal funding to send core area and career and technical teachers to joint professional development conferences that focus on integration and team teaching. Anderson says this approach helps teachers make connections between disciplines and understand vocational applications of core subjects like English and math. Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational District in Upton, Mass., meanwhile, is experimenting with a longer school calendar that stretches the number of days from 180 to 193. Another measure to increase time on task is a modified long block schedule that gives freshmen and sophomores 112 annual hours of English and math instruction, which comes close to the traditional high school average of 120 hours. Principal Rich Brennan Rich Brennan (Born November 26, 1972 in Schenectady, New York) is a professional ice hockey player currently playing for the Sinupret Ice Tigers in the DEL. He has played briefly in the NHL with a number of teams including the Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, reports on the success of the changes 100 percent of students in the class of 2004 passed the state's high-stakes exam, compared to a statewide average of 85 percent. Dollars and Sense "Our board chairman's favorite expression is that you can't train kids for up-to-date careers with out-of-date equipment," says Paist. And high quality career and technical education can be a costly endeavor. Paist admits, "We've had to go a long time without equipment upgrades. That's because we've chosen to sacrifice equipment upgrades and preserve high-quality teachers." Paist and Pathfinder Regional's board have developed a five-year plan Five-Year Plan, Soviet economic practice of planning to augment agricultural and industrial output by designated quotas for a limited period of usually five years. that replaces equipment a portion at a time. The superintendent is laying the groundwork for a possible bond issue by marketing to the local community and policy makers, so both groups understand the value of teachers and equipment. A bond issue to the tune of $50 million is making one Indiana district's facility dream a reality. The Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. just broke ground on the Southern Indiana Southern Indiana, in the United States, is notable because it is culturally distinct from the rest of the state. The area's geography has led to a blend of Northern and Southern culture that is not found in the rest of Indiana. Career and Technical Center, a project that illustrates the benefits of long-term vision and planning. The building process began with a 1996 feasibility study The analysis of a problem to determine if it can be solved effectively. The operational (will it work?), economical (costs and benefits) and technical (can it be built?) aspects are part of the study. Results of the study determine whether the solution should be implemented. of all K-12 facilities in the district, which found the 60-year-old vocational facility lacked the infrastructure to support modern career education equipment. Without adequate class space for career programming, students crisscrossed criss·cross v. criss·crossed, criss·cross·ing, criss·cross·es v.tr. 1. To mark with crossing lines. 2. town to attend various programs at different high schools. In 1999 the board formed an executive advisory committee consisting of 16 regional CEOs and a planning and design task force that included post-secondary representatives, government officials, business partners, parents, students and teachers. Over the last five years, the groups have collaborated to develop a vision and plan for career and technical education in the district, culminating in the new building. As Butler Technology and Career Development Schools have shown, operating costs operating costs npl → gastos mpl operacionales don't have to be sky-high. The nine schools operate at one of the lowest costs per pupil for career and technical schools, $8,754 in 2003 compared an Ohio average of $11,470 for career and technical districts. Somners says his cost-containment secrets begin with marketing. "We market heavily to recruit students into our career and technical programs and run a full program." That keeps costs down by maximizing the investment in staff and technology. The district also puts its funds into technology. "We start the decision process with board policy and our established budget parameters of 62 percent personnel costs and 9 percent administration costs. All budget decisions are made within those parameters," Somners says. And while successful, cost-effective career and technical programs can be found in separate buildings or districts or within conventional schools, there are some common denominators, namely: * Avoiding program duplication to minimize costs. * Running programs requiring high-dollar investments at a central site to accommodate as many students as possible. * Seeking partners to share expenses. Looking into the crystal ball of career education, Paist says traditional programs can thrive with a high-tech twist. Construction courses incorporate technology and focus on alternative energy. Radio and television repair is passe pas·sé adj. 1. No longer current or in fashion; out-of-date. 2. Past the prime; faded or aged. [French, past participle of passer, to pass, from Old French; see , but fiber optics fiber optics, transmission of digitized messages or information by light pulses along hair-thin glass fibers. Each fiber is surrounded by a cladding having a high index of refractance so that the light is internally reflected and travels the length of the fiber and robotics programs area hit with students and industry. Other future-oriented programs include animation, biotechnology and forensic science The application of scientific knowledge and methodology to legal problems and criminal investigations. Sometimes called simply forensics, forensic science encompasses many different fields of science, including anthropology, biology, chemistry, engineering, genetics, . Ultimately, the recipe for a successful career program boils down to a few ingredients. Partnership-based programs that blend academic rigor and vocational training are what works, says Anderson. To a student, these programs translate academics into a meaningful career. Perkins Reauthorization in the Works The Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act of 1998, the primary federal driver for investment in career and technical education, should be reauthorized by early 2005. Career and technical educators will probably be pleased with the reauthorization, predicts Christin Driscoll, senior director of public policy for the Association for Career and Technical Education. For starters, it officially updates the vocational education label with career and technical education. Beyond the name, the House and Senate have rejected the Bush Administration's proposals to slash funds and emphasize post-secondary schools. Driscoll confirms, "The message we've been getting from Congress is that this is a program that works." Driscoll predicts the final measure will retain the structural integrity of Perkins and could include a stronger focus on professional development. Another plus? Both the House and Senate versions include a slight increase over current funding. Dan Ulrich, director of career, technology and adult education for the Evansville-Vanderburgh School Corp. in Indiana, says Perkins reflects No Child Left Behind in terms of course rigor and adds that, "Whether it's legislated or not, you still have to do what's best for students." The Well-tuned Engine: A Success Story Developing a program that can meet the needs and keep the interest of at-risk, average and motivated students takes more than a bit of tinkering. But that's just what San Clemente High School There are at least two schools named San Clemente High School:
automotive engineering engineering, technology - the practical application of science to commerce or industry Partnership Academy does. The thriving program, part of Capistrano (Calif.) Unified School District A unified school district is a school district which includes both primary school (kindergarten through middle school or junior high) and high school (grades 9-12). In Illinois, these districts are called unit school districts. , adapted best practices for career and technical education and carne up with a site-specific formula for success. The academy not only primes students for careers in the automotive industry The automotive industry is the industry involved in the design, development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of motor vehicles. In 2006, more than 69 million motor vehicles, including cars and commercial vehicles were produced worldwide. , but also meets their academic needs. Last year, the school within a school managed a 100 percent pass on the California High School California High School (commonly referred to as Cal High) is a public school located in San Ramon, California, a suburb of San Francisco, Oakland, and Silicon Valley. Its mascot is a Grizzly Bear. The school's newspaper is The Californian which is published monthly. Exit Exam--despite its population of more than 50 percent at-risk students The term at-risk students is used to describe students who are "at risk" of failing academically, for one or more of any several reasons. The term can be used to describe a wide variety of students, including,
The program's lucky number is $81,000. Started in 1998 with an $81,000 grant from the state, the academy is renewed every year as long as the district matches the $81,000 and secures another $81,000 from local businesses. Teacher Bob McCarroll makes it easy for the program's 52 partners to give to the program by asking for tools and equipment instead of dollars. "We've gotten four new cars from Hyundai and 26 Kia engines plus a hand-me-down electronic tire changer Changer The name given to a clearing member that is willing to assume the opposite position of a futures contract within a larger alternative exchange, of which it also is a clearing member. from a dealer," he says. For many students, the academy becomes their first connection to school and allows them to taste the rewards of academic performance. For example, students can earn an academy jacket by maintaining a 2.0 GPA GPA abbr. grade point average Noun 1. GPA - a measure of a student's academic achievement at a college or university; calculated by dividing the total number of grade points received by the total number attempted and 90 percent full-day attendance rate. A summer internship program places students with local business partners. "No matter how hard I try to duplicate an actual work day, this is school," McCarroll says. The internship gives students a true taste of a career in the auto industry. He and the seven academy teachers ensure students' academic progress through courses like Applied Math 1 and 2. McCarroll co-developed the course with a math teacher, which immerses students in automotive, business and engineering applications of algebra, geometry, trigonometry trigonometry [Gr.,=measurement of triangles], a specialized area of geometry concerned with the properties of and relations among the parts of a triangle. Spherical trigonometry is concerned with the study of triangles on the surface of a sphere rather than in the and statistics and provides the foundation for the state exit exam. What happens to academy students as they drive off into the post-high school sunset? Continued success, confirms Principal Charles Hinman. Last year 95 percent went on to technical schools, two- and four-year colleges, the workplace and military. Career Program Resources State technical education associations, post-secondary vocational and technical schools, state labor departments and local businesses can all be helpful to districts developing and managing career and technical education programs. Other sources of assistance include: * Association for Career and Technical Education www.acteonline.org * National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence www.asecert.org * U.S. Department of Education Office of Vocational and Adult Education The Office of Vocational and Adult Education (OVAE) is a subdivision of the United States Department of Education. OVAE falls under the supervision of the Undersecretary, who oversees policies, programs and activities related to vocational and adult education, postsecondary www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ ovae/index.html?src=mr * U.S. Department of Labor Educator's Page www.dol.gov/dol/audience/ aud-educators.htm * The Association of Computer-based Systems Computer-based systems Complex systems in which computers play a major role. While complex physical systems and sophisticated software systems can help people to lead healthier and more enjoyable lives, reliance on these systems can also result in loss of for Career Information (list of career information systems by state) www.acsci.org/acsci_states.asp Lisa Fratt is a freelance writer based in Ashland, Wis. |
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