Education is more complex than it used to be. Preparing students for a global economy requires hands-on experience in addition to traditional book learning.
As a recent article in The Columbian details, some Ridgefield High School students are receiving such training through the new Center for Advanced Professional Studies program. Students can follow one of three strands in the program: Engineering; health sciences; and business, marketing and entrepreneurship. Each path connects them with outside companies that help shepherd projects.
“Times have changed,” Ridgefield Superintendent Nathan McCann said. “It’s easy for all of us to look back on our childhood a little more rose-colored than might merit. A lot of people think the younger generation is more selfish because they seemed more focused on themselves, but I don’t believe it. Kids today are every bit committed to their communities and doing good work. They want to make an impact.”
Ridgefield is not alone in providing a project-based approach to learning. Vancouver Public Schools has iTech Prep that focuses on STEM education, and Evergreen Public Schools has Henrietta Lacks Health and Bioscience High School — just two examples of the changing face of education. Now, the Legislature should work to help facilitate similar programs throughout the state.
Senate Bill 5327 and House Bill 1336 were introduced this year under the heading of “Expanding career connected learning opportunities,” designed to pair students with real-world experiences. Neither bill made it out of committee last year, but both deserve further consideration when lawmakers reconvene next month.
In one example of the potential for such programs, SEH America has a pilot program to train young employees for the company’s technical jobs. The east Vancouver silicon wafer manufacturer provides part-time apprenticeships and college tuition, along with the likelihood of future employment and tuition for further education if the student pursues it. As Marc Casale, a Seattle-based management consultant, told The Columbian’s Editorial Board, “Every form of post-secondary education should include a work component.”
Expanding such programs can be essential to the long-term success of Washington companies — and students. In 2017, Gov. Jay Inslee formed the Career Connect Washington Task Force to examine the future of jobs and employees in Washington, and the bills pending in the Legislature are a natural extension of that.
With Washington manufacturers frequently reporting a lack of employees and the need to recruit from out of state, it makes sense for businesses and educators to develop local workers beginning when those students are in high school. Kara Breuer, a health sciences instructor in the Ridgefield program, said: “People think students just graduate and they’re work ready. They’re not.”
Washington has been well-prepared for the digital revolution that has transformed the economy over the past 30 years or so. The state cultivated Microsoft, Amazon and countless other companies that once promised the jobs of the future and now offer the jobs of the present.
Retaining that position, however, will require foresight and planning. Efforts from policy makers and school administrators to connect students with businesses will be an important step. As McCann said: “We want students to leave here and feel like they have a leg up. They’ll have experience presenting their ideas, pitching to businesses and meeting deadlines.”
