For students across the country, vocational education -- the teaching of trade skills to students who may or may not be on the track to college -- has largely decreased in recent years, with most funding and curriculum being geared toward basic academics.

Officials at Kings Community School and the Kings County Education Board have for years wanted vocational education for the students at Kings Community School. The topic resurfaced Wednesday, as the county education board members discussed a routine revision to a career and technical education policy, which is meant to encompass curriculum reflecting local workplace needs.

Career and technical education or vocational education classes might teach students skills of construction, welding or a variety of other trades. But the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 mandated that schools focus on improving standardized test scores, specifically in English and math. Ron Peterson, assistant principal at Kings Community School, described No Child Left Behind in early June as the "worst thing that ever happened to schools."

Janet Schales, principal of the county's alternative schools, agreed that a complete focus on academics wasn't beneficial to every student.

"Not every kid is cut out with that cookie cutter to go to college," Schales said in early June.

Schales added that if something is failing, a resolve needs to be found.

Anne Hoover, a long time teacher at the school, said that most of her students are kinesthetic or auditory learners, and might be more interested in a hands-on job rather than an office job.

The policy revision that county education board members discussed on Wednesday did not include provisions specifically regarding the community school, but the policy was the instigator that spurred the discussion. The county office of education has previously applied and been denied for a charter from the state for vocational education at the community school.

It would require additional funding to offer such opportunities. But this is not a good year for finding extra funding, said Tim Bowers, county program director of career education. County education staff members are already working to keep the current opportunities and services in place -- including Kings' Regional Occupational Programs -- with the funding cuts from the state. All programs and classes offered last year are planned to continue to be offered next year, but it will require a funding withdrawal from reserves, Bowers said.

Bill Gundacker, county education board president, asked whether there was a grant available so that the county might be able to add to its existing vocational education offerings, especially with regards to community school students. Bowers said there was not such a grant now, but that it didn't mean one couldn't be developed soon.

John Stankovich, county superintendent of public instruction, said there was a possibility of partnering with Armona Union Elementary School District's Crossroads Charter School to offer such curriculum to community school students.

Crossroads is in the process of expanding to include a location that would offer education in a variety of trades, especially for those students who might not be planning on college. Bowers said discussions with Armona school officials on the potential partnership were still in early conceptual phases, but might include transporting community school students to the Crossroads Trade Tech location -- once it is built -- for vocational education.

The reporter can be reached at 583-2424.

(July 5, 2008)