Better preparing America's students for jobs and careers. That's something President Obama called for in his State of the Union Tuesday night, "Tonight, I'm announcing a new challenge to redesign America's high schools so they better equip graduates for the demands of a high-tech economy. We'll reward schools that develop new partnerships with colleges and employers, and create classes that focus on science, technology, engineering, and math - the skills today's employers are looking for to fill the jobs that are there right now and in the future."
Woodville Tompkins High School may be on the cutting edge of what the President called the future of American education. Principal Alfred McGuire explains, "We try to blend in what students are learning in their classroom - math, science, english and social studies - with things that they are gonna see when the go into the work site and so we try to infuse those things to make sure that students get a holistic approach to education." A hands-on approach that prepares students to move right into a job in some cases - or gives them a head start on advanced career education in others according to Angie Lewis, Savannah-Chatham's Director of Career, Technical and Agricultural Education, "Teaching is not just about being in the four walls of the schools - these students actually receive jobs - they interview for positions - we've gotten several business partners to agree to have the students." In paid apprenticeships in many cases.
It's a chance to try out a career before committing. "We have early childhood education, engineering robotics and manufacturing, computer networking. We also have health care, we have cosmetology, aviation, personal finance, firefighting, culinary arts, automotive maintenance, automotive collision repair, as well as construction," says Principal McGuire. He believes this type of education provides students with the greatest opportunity to be successful. Students like Satin Phillips agree, "When I came here and saw they had the early childhood program, I was like I know what high school I want to go to, and so I applied." "It's been a great experience - it's very different - like they prepare you more for college and so you'll be ready and its very hands on," says student Barbara Clark.
"We're able to make partnerships with people in the community - different business owners and that helps us to provide our students with not only those opportunities for work-based learning or different internships, but it also gives us insight into what employers are looking for as well," says McGuire.
The school even provides the opportunity for students to take sometimes expensive certification tests they may need for their future career with no out-of-pocket cost to the student. The district was awarded a grant to pay for them.
