College & Workforce Readiness Video

Can Vocational High Schools Be a Viable Alternative to College?

April 7, 2016 8:36

U.S. high schools see it as their mission to prepare young people for college. But many students who enroll in college never make it through, leaving them with crushing debt and no degree. Vocational high schools, such as Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School in South Easton, Mass., provide an alternative path. In addition to traditional academic courses, students receive instruction in careers including carpentry, culinary arts, metal fabrication, and video production, with the idea that they can jump straight into well-paying jobs, if they choose to delay or forgo college. Correspondent John Tulenko takes us inside the school, speaks with students and teachers, and discusses the strengths and drawbacks of this career-focused curriculum. This video segment appeared on PBS NewsHour on January 27, 2016.

Coverage of science learning and career pathways is supported in part by a grant from The Noyce Foundation, at www.noycefdn.org. Education Week retains sole editorial control over the content of this coverage.

Video

Reading & Literacy Video Teachers, Try This: Teach Reading Through Hopscotch
For students at all reading levels, these hopscotch mats create a fun and supportive daily reading practice.
Student Well-Being Video Where These Urban Students Get To Learn About (and in) the Outdoors
This urban school district gives students the opportunity to learn in and about the outdoors at their district-owned farm.
4:17
Baltimore City School students find worms in the soil while exploring the woods and looking for decomposers during a scavenger hunt at Great Kids Farm and Forest Camp on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Catonsville, MD.
Baltimore City School students find worms in the soil while exploring the woods and looking for decomposers during a scavenger hunt at Great Kids Farm and Forest Camp on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, in Catonsville, MD.<br/>
Sam Mallon/Education Week
College & Workforce Readiness Video College Board Official: We Don’t Dictate How AP Courses Are Taught
College Board offers insight on its course expectations, and methods for improving student diversity within those classes.
Students listen during an advanced placement history class at Crossroads FLEX school in Cary, N.C. on May 21, 2019.
Students listen during an advanced placement history class at Crossroads FLEX school in Cary, N.C. on May 21, 2019.
Gerry Broome/AP
Teaching Video VIDEOS: Tips for New Teachers From State Teachers of the Year
State teachers of the year offer tips for new teachers on a range of topics.
AMERICANED SUTTON 049
Allison Shelley for All4Ed