Brfeakout at 2009 Voc Leadership Institute.
Whereas, Many students exposed to vocational courses and programs at the high school level continue on to pursue certificates and degrees at the community college level;
Whereas, High school vocational education programs appear to be one of the low priorities for the California Department of Education and many school districts as whole programs in different vocational education areas have been dropped from the curriculum;
Whereas, Most jobs in today's labor market require some degree of skill for even the lowest-paying jobs, and the California Department of Education continues to place major emphasis on preparing all students to attend college after high school; and
Whereas, Because the community colleges cannot provide all the necessary skills and knowledge required by some technical fields in a two-year program and therefore rely on high school vocational education programs to provide entry-level knowledge and skills;
Resolved, That the Academic Senate continue to support high school vocational education programs and their offerings and explore ways to keep them viable and accessible; and
Resolved, That the Academic Senate urge the Board of Governors, the Legislature, and the Governor to work with the Department of Education to continue their efforts to ensure the continuation and expansion of vocational programs that move students toward careers with sustainable and livable wages, including those at the high school level.
MSC Disposition: Governor, Legislature, Department of Education, Board of Governors, Chancellor's Office, Local Senates