Weekly Update

_{Upperclassmen in Fern Creek High School’s computer science pathway work on various group projects in early December. Credit: Javeria Salman/The Hechinger Report}

Schools push career ed classes ‘for all,’ even kids heading to college

The Academies of Louisville is one of roughly 30 such programs that are working to provide CTE for all students, regardless of whether they plan to go to college or directly into the workforce, according to Jessica Delgado, marketing and communications director of Ford Next Generation Learning, which supports school districts in adopting the approach. This “CTE for all” model has grown in popularity as support for the idea of “college for all” has eroded amid high tuition costs and low completion rates. The “CTE for all” model has support from employers interested in meeting local and regional workforce needs. And some experts argue that combining workforce and academic learning makes students more engaged and helps them build professional networks.

“A lack of access to work-based learning can actually limit the career prospects and economic mobility of youth and adults,” said Kyle Hartung, associate vice president for education at the nonprofit Jobs for the Future. He noted that there’s some evidence for the effectiveness of individual “CTE for all” programs and models, although data on the impact of the approach as a whole remains scant.

Meanwhile, the career academies model requires a significant overhaul of the traditional high school model, and without buy-in from teachers, families and local and regional business leaders, it’s unlikely to work. In late November, Anchorage School District in Alaska postponed fully adopting the model after parents and school board members raised concerns about shorter class periods and the possibility that some core subjects would be replaced by career-themed courses.

Supreme Court cases could pave way for larger role for religion in public schools

The cases — over a district’s opt-out policy and a religious charter school — could affect schools nationwide.

A treasure trove of education reports and studies is under threat

Funding for the Education Department’s online library, ERIC, is slated to end this week.

📣 Listen up

The first two episodes of season 4 of College Uncovered, a podcast from The Hechinger Report and GBH News, are out now. 

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