Officials of the New Jersey School Boards Association discussed future opportunities for career-focused learners on Nov. 7 during a presentation to the New Jersey State Board of Education.
The State Board was shown a video summarizing highlights of the recent report by the NJSBA’s Task Force on Educational Opportunities for the Non-College-Bound Learner.
“For far too long, we in education have defined success with one question: Are you ready for a four-year college right after high school?” Dr. Lawrence S. Feinsod, executive director of the NJSBA told the State Board. “But, in fact, there are many pathways to achievement and happiness in education, career and life.”
After a year of deliberation and research, the NJSBA task force issued a report with 69 recommendations that represent a re-thinking of how we prepare our students for success in the present and the future economy. NJSBA President Dan Sinclair was the “driving force” behind the task force, Feinsod said.
The task force’s recommendations include dual enrollment, apprenticeships and expansion of career and technical education programs in comprehensive high schools. They call for collaboration among the state Department of Education, county vocational schools, local school districts, and business, labor and industry.
“We believe the recommendations will help all of our students,” said Feinsod, “the career-focused, and the college-bound.”
He thanked Acting State Board of Education President Kathy Goldenberg and Commissioner of Education Dr. Lamont Repollet for giving the NJSBA the opportunity to present the report and video.