States where the Common Core State Standards have been implemented certainly have traditional public schools, but that's not all they have. Some Common Core states are also home to vocational, or career and technical, schools. These institutions are designed to train students for college or a career in a specific job using hands-on learning techniques.
According to American RadioWorks, career and technical schools used to be popular from the beginning of the 20th century until they reached a climax in the 1980s. Since then, U.S. education has focused heavily on liberal arts-style schooling. However, vocational schools may be making a comeback in some states. In fact, President Barack Obama proposed an increase in vocational school spending earlier in 2014.
The case for vocational schools
The source noted that the idea of training students for specific careers goes back to the founding of the U.S. Benjamin Franklin supported a vocational system for the U.S., advocating for the structure of having apprentices and masters. While vocational training has continued to exist since then, it has taken a backseat to liberal arts schooling.
Students do need to learn skills in math, science and English/language arts, but the way in which they learn doesn't have to be sitting in a classroom. At least, that's what proponents of career and technical training believe. By applying engineering concepts or using math to calculate measurements for real projects, students can see how their education applies to life. This insight is something they'll use whether they go on to college or enter the workforce after graduation.
Living it out
Alice Ofria attended Minuteman High School in Massachusetts, a vocational school that teaches core subjects using hands-on projects. Since then, she has landed a part-time job as a lab technician earning upward of $25 an hour. She is also attending the University of Massachusetts, Boston, full time, where she's working toward a bachelor's degree in environmental science.
"People in my college classes don't know things I know, that I learned from Minuteman," Ofria told American RadioWorks. "It feels like I'm ahead of everybody."
The vocational bind
Ofria's experience with a vocational school is an example of why students would want to attend one. She has a good job right out of high school and is going to college. The popularity of such schools (which are especially prominent in Massachusetts) has led to an abundance of interest and a lack of open slots. A study by the Northeastern University School of Law revealed that not enough students are able to get into vocational schools to fill job openings in Massachusetts.
Hopefully, with more funding and resources, vocational schools can open their doors to all interested students.
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