Vocational education administered properly is a vital force in a
school district that knows preparing students to work is
fundamental
Good news: Vocational training might be making a return to Gilroy Unified School District schools.
Vocational education – often administered as ROP, for Regional Occupational Program – was dumped by many in the politically correct education community years ago because of concerns that formally recognizing some kids aren’t best-served by a four-year liberal arts college education amounted to tracking.
While we understand that many decades ago, tracking was a problem, we hope we’ve learned that one size does not fit all when it comes to education, and that we can implement a varied program that meets a variety of needs without forcing kids onto tracks based on skin color or socioeconomic factors.
Tracking is a red herring, and is easily avoided by exposing all students to all choices and letting them make their own decisions along with their parents.
Vocational training doesn’t just have benefits after students graduate from high school. It can be a key factor that keeps kids enrolled in high school.
Trustee Tom Bundros was right on the money about the importance of vocational education when he told reporter Kelly Savio, “… I think the [ROP classes] would be attractive to a wide distribution of students. Each of our 2,400 high school students is different, and it’s important to keep them all interested. … Maybe those classes could be what gets the kids excited to go to school.”
In addition to avoiding tracking, other factors are key to a successful ROP program. The key is making sure partnerships are formed.
The school district should look to two key groups in creating a successful vocational education program: Gavilan Community College and the South County business community.
Gavilan already has a successful vocational education program that teaches students everything from aircraft maintenance to cosmetology. As its biotechnology program gets off the ground, it will be another offering for students.
The South County business community can be a valuable partner in creating a successful vocational education program. In addition to benefits for businesses – creating a qualified workforce – it also can teach administrators and students what qualities make up a successful worker in the real world.
Let’s learn the lessons of the 20th-century vocational education programs by creating a viable vocational education program in Gilroy for the 21st century that keeps kids in school and sets them on a path for success.
GUSD trustees, don’t let this one fall off the radar.
