Strong Program in School District Sees Success, But Needs Expansion

by Peter Lauterborn and Amanda Piercy (reposted)

Tue, Apr 10, 2007 9:14AM

According to the California Department of Education, over 30% of students do not graduate from high school—numbers which should make anyone look twice at what we are doing in our schools. The good news is that the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) already has a program with the potential to make school relevant to students again, and keep our youth from abandoning their education.

Here’s how it works. Just as Universities have various colleges within them, students in a number of SFUSD high schools can choose a professional focus which includes career counseling and college predation. While in the past this sort of education has been provided by problematic vocational training, a system of “academies” is far more flexible.

In the past, vocational training has focused around industrial trades such as carpentry and mechanics. Such programs have long been criticized for tracking students—mostly poor or minority students—into the programs at a young age, forcing that student into that particular career path, limiting their options.

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http://beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=4388#more

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