Vocational Technology Education — The Blog

So, Just Know That We're Overselling STEM

Much of STEM work in public schools is intended to give students a leg up on their college career. Robotics clubs, Computer Science/Coding, AP Chem, Bio, Physics, all of these are great for a college application. And, while efforts to bring young women into the fold of the male-dominated STEM world are admirable, how many girls are encouraged to become electricians, mechanics, or plumbers? There is just as much entrepreneurial opportunity in those fields, and I would argue (cautiously) that there may be more…

Education, technology, Workplace Skills, Vocational educationDarren RalstonJune 25, 2018Vocational Technology Education, trades, education, STEM, GirlsComment

What Good is a High School Diploma?

What is it we are looking at when considering the purpose of schooling? Numbers tend to get the lion's share of attention when we're talking graduation rates, money a graduate makes, number of college acceptances, test scores, and so on. This is a system by which people are made valuable to the economy. It seems a cold purpose to me, but when the metrics are quantitative and focused on school survival, how else can a system proceed?

Education, Workplace SkillsDarren RalstonApril 30, 2018Vocational Technology Education, Education, Employment, Graduation Rates, ApprenticeshipComment