Vocational education: State OKs new frameworks
Sacramento Bee 1/11/07
Why it's significant: The career technical education frameworks show school districts and teachers how to link academic standards with career preparation, providing better academic training for students who may not be college-bound and better career exposure for those who are. They are based around 15 growing industries.
Targeted industries: Agriculture and natural resources; arts, media and entertainment; building trades and construction; education, child development and family services; energy and utilities; engineering and design; fashion and interior design; finance and business; health science and medical technology; hospitality, tourism and recreation; information technology; manufacturing and product development; marketing, sales and service; public services; transportation.
Supporters: Representatives from the agriculture, construction, entertainment and business industries, school administrators and special education advocates. "In this framework exists the basis for reinventing the American high school. ... This is a very important juncture in American education," said board member Alan Bersin.
Opponents: None spoke. Some supporters, however, cautioned that the state needs to do more to make sure the new frameworks, which are voluntary, are actually used in the schools.
What's next: The state's teacher credentialing commission will consider streamlining the process for credentialing teachers of career technical education, to align credentials with the 15 targeted industries.