In our latest issue, I explore Singapore’s efforts—successful, by many accounts—to transform its career-and-technical education programs.
When American educators think of Singapore, they usually focus on the tiny nation’s domination of international tests in math and science. Government officials in the Asian country had to overcome many parents’ stereotypes of voc-ed. programs as repositories for low-performing students who were heading into dead-end jobs. When the education officials revamped the programs, forged stronger ties between schools and industries, and took other steps, the parents came around.
What can voc-ed. programs in the United States learn from Singapore’s approach, if anything?
Photo by Kris LeBoutillier for Education Week