03/16/2007: "Movement Towards Vocational Technical Training"

By: Ann Thomas Templeton

Support at the local, regional, and state levels in providing students access to hands-on learning is growing. Students are encouraged to enroll in vocational technical training offered this fall at Friday Harbor High School. Computer Aided Design and a Woodworking class will be taught in the technical building located on school property. Years ago these courses, including metal working, small engine, and computer repair were taught in the technical building, but were discontinued.

Patricia Scott, Friday Harbor High School Principal, emphasized that a certain number of students must sign up for the classes in order to provide vocational technical training for the entire school year. A paid position will be offered dependent on enrollment status.

According to Larry Wight, Director of Career and Technical Education, over ninety percent of required coursework is determined for high school graduation. Growing demands for academic achievement and higher WASL scores leaves little room for exploring occupational fields. "We need to create choices for our students, and expand classes in career and technical education."

Students can learn how to build an aluminum float and dock at Sportsman Lake in April. Such a project will teach youth how to design a welded structure. Boaters and fishermen alike enjoy the lake adjacent to the Lakedale Resort property.

The strategic iniative planning team, a group of board members, admistrators, teachers, students, and parents are developing district wide objectives to implement within the next eighteen to twenty-four months. One iniative proposed for consideration:

"Create rigorous, project based, learning experiences that engage and challenge students to discover and explore their passions."

Such an incentive opens the door to explore vocational technical possibilities, "Project learning is a method of teaching allowing students to focus on specific projects," said Scott. Such learning can take place inside or outside the classroom.

In addition to offering Voc-Tec training courses, winter term will be offered for the third consecutive year. Modifications were made to accommodate faculty and student needs. Majority of students were in favor of continuing the hand-on project learning.

Textile Arts, Student Activism, Auto Mechanics, Filmmaking, and Photography were a few examples of the many classes offered this winter.

In the filmmaking class, small groups were instructed how to make five to seven minute films. Casey Lehman found the process of filmmaking very intriguing. "When kids are challenged in a different way, you see potential that you didn't see before," said Lehman.

Auto Mechanics student, Brent Owens, is motivated by hands-on learning as well. Students were challenged with restoring an old '78 Chevrolet with volunteer instructors, Cecil Dent and Cliff Jeffries. Owens said he didn't know anything about working on car engines prior to the class. When asked what his thoughts were about taking the class, Owens's eyes lit up, "Awesome!" His highlight was getting school credit for working on cars.

"Community Project Experience" student, Edgar Ochoa, completed chef training under the guidance of Chef Matt Colony at Friday Harbor House. Ochoa learned the importance of timing when preparing a meal.

The "Out There Math Class" taught students how to use math skills in real world applications. Volunteer instructor, Peter Alexander, taught students how quantitative components are interwoven among everyday activities.

"There are human stories within the data," Alexander said.

Marlys Merna volunteered to instruct kids on weaving scarves with a weaving machine. Others designed and built a rain garden by recycling storm water from the high school roof.

Numerous volunteers provided time, expertise, labor, equipment, data, and discounts. "The winter term wouldn't have been successful without the dedication and commitment from the community," said Wight.

High School teacher, Jim McNairy, taught Student Activism. Students researched how FHHS contributes to global warming by evaluating school monthly consumption use. Studies included water, electricity, garbage, recycle, and fuel usage. Date was gathered from the 2005-2006 school year.

The school district welcomes comments, suggestions, and support on ways to further educate students for preparation in occupational fields.

In regards to student learning, "Kids who were never engaged are now engaged, and that can change the whole culture of learning," said Wight.