Topic: Vocational schools

Making a case for vocational schools at the high school level

By Christine Anne Piesyk | December 18, 2008 |

Not every student is destined for college or even traditional college-track studies.

As I listened to the announcement of the Hemlock Semiconductor plant about to settle in northeast Clarksville, and of the need for not only scientists and technologist but pipe fitters, electricians and other skilled trades, I couldn’t help but think once again of a glaring gap in high school education in Clarksville: vocational education.

Once upon a time “voke” ed meant studies in hairdressing, cosmetology, food service, and basic automotive.

I spent most of my life in New England, where trade schools exists in virtually every city. Not a “token” technology center or a single woodshop class, but an entire dedicated  school with a curriculum that includes at least six major trades and a courseload of “applied” studies in math, English and other subjects that are directly linked to both the physical training and base knowledgeable applicable to  real world jobs upon graduation. Students are bused to voke schools, not left to figure out how to get to an out-of-district school every day. «Read the rest of this article»

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