Voc-ed dreams

Press-Enterprise 5/2/07

The decline of vocational education classes in California's high schools robs students of a well-rounded education. The Legislature should pass SB 672, a bill that would require all high school students in California to take two vocational education classes to earn a diploma.

It makes little sense to assume every student wants to prepare for college. Yes, educators should -- and do -- encourage kids to attend college. But a 2006 report by the Institute for Higher Education found only 39 percent of "college-age" Californians were in college. And only 20 percent of California ninth-graders will graduate from college. Meantime, vocational education opportunities have declined dramatically in California.

Yet voc ed can keep many potential dropouts interested in learning a trade and getting their diplomas. About a third of all ninth-graders in California eventually drop out of school. Why? A March 2006 study by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation found that 47 percent of America's dropouts left school because their classes weren't compelling. And 81 percent of dropouts wanted more "real world" learning opportunities -- exactly what vocational education provides.

Besides, even college-bound kids would benefit from vocational education classes. A little mechanical aptitude is helpful to any homeowner with a broken appliance. And an introduction to the art of cooking could bring tasty rewards.

Not every high school student wants, or needs, a college education to live a productive, happy life. Some may find fulfillment being a plumber, an auto mechanic or a chef. California's schools should do more to help those students achieve their dreams, too.