Feel free to think about any or all of the following:
- What does the term Vocational Technical education mean to you personally?
- How do you describe a Vocational Technical education?
- In your definition, is Vocational Technical Education the same as Career Technical Education?
- What sets a Regional Vocational School apart from a comprehensive high school with technical programs?
- What are the best features of a Vocational Technical education at a Regional Vocational Technical School?
- What are the worst features of a Vocational Technical education at a Regional Vocational Technical School?
Personally, I think that we are the best thing since sliced bread...but I will take some time during this vacation week to define what sets us apart (and above) comprehensive schools, charter schools and private schools.
I realize that some of you have a week jam packed with family, fun, and relaxation and therefore have no time to think about Vocational Technical Education. Enjoy yourselves! There will be plenty of time to think about these questions, and possibly others, when we return.
Wishing you all a fantastic week!
Margaret
The March 6th Marshfield Mariner published an article about carpentry work that completed by MHS students as part of a secondary program of study, in the homes of Marshfield employees. The article was a slap-of-the-hand to the school district because the policy in place for who had opportunity to have work done at their home was, um, casual. Some townspeople were concerned that employees of the town received benefits that were not made available to the general public. Dr. Borstel, the Superintendent in Marshfield, stated that he'd work to revise the policy, and would reach out to SSVT for advice on how better manage this piece of his curriculum.
ReplyDeleteIt made me think more closely about your question, "What is the purpose of SSVT?". I made a connection to our district philosophy which charges all members to help student become career and college ready. How is that different from our sending towns? I believe that they are preparing students to be college and career ready. Word order matters here. Both regional vocational-technical schools and their town partners will need to find middle ground. We are going to have to ensure that our program of study produces students who are skilled and educated to enter into a post-secondary pathway that matches their specific career goals.
The task will be challenging for SSVT. We'll look closely at each course offerings and wonder, are all of our academic, related and vocational course curriculum aligned to DESE standards? Do they offer a direct stepping stone to the next logical step in our students chosen career path? Can they enter the college program of their choice after attending our school? I think we may be closer to "yes" in most areas than our sending town partners. For them, the challenge is greater. Exactly what do traditional high schools do to create direct stepping stones to a specific career opportunity? They will have to answer that question. I hope we have future opportunities to speak with them about how we work together to meet the goal of college and career, or career and college ready students. I don't think either of us can do it all. - Sandy B.