We know "vocational arts" programs are not new in American schools.  Many of us also know that the proverbial pendulum had swung away from investing in these programs in favor of, basically, an orientation that most every student who will be successful in the new American economy will need to go through a traditional four-year university degree program.  This pendulum is swinging back.

Many progressive districts are attempting to address this need for more immediately relevant and targeted instruction by establishing select magnet schools.  Often, these schools are modeled as more sophisticated versions of vocational schools.  Some focus on a particular general field of specialty (technology, law, medicine, etc.), while others contain various "schools within a school" to offer a wider array of specialties.  These schools are in high demand.  They tend to be the better schools in most districts.  The students, on average, tend to be more motivated.  The campuses tend to be better resourced.

One troubling aspect of these school is the enrollment process.  Most are not open enrollment campuses.  In some districts parents "camp out" all night for a spot in line to get their child in.  Others have a lottery system of selection, where the opportunity to participate in an enriched educational experience boils down to luck.  When pre-entrance merit is the basis, all kinds of perplexing questions are in play.  There is simply more demand for this sort of schooling experience than there are spots.  This reality seems to fly in the face of equal educational opportunity for all public school students. 

Education beyond high school is indeed important and a university education, in particular, is a great thing.  Nonetheless, it is abundantly clear that young people are searching for direction before they turn 18.  Many high school students are turned off by the (necessary) curriculum they must master because they don't see any connection between it and what their life will be.  We often don't provide clear enough connection between abstract knowledge and practical application.  In their minds they are slaving away now to get a taste of some pie in the sky in the distant future.  The more we let them taste the pie now, the less likely they are to develop 'disorders' that will prevent them from tasting it later.  They are hungry, but even so, sometimes the buffet is less satisfying than an individual dish prepared to taste.

The Taylor Career & Technology Center lets students taste the pie now.  Their students are gaining a clear direction just as they have the restless hunger for relevance we know is a central characteristic of the teenage years.  Their students learn the core curriculum, they apply it to future vocations, they compete with other students in competitions designed around the particular skills they are learning, they are guided along the path of scholarship acquisition to fund further education, and they are developing a network of associates likely to follow a similar career path in life. 

I salute Principal Thom Campbell-Amons, Technology Director Doris Cyrus, and all the other focused faculty and students at Taylor!  I would also like to thank them all for showing me such kindness and consideration during my most enjoyable visit!  I was so impressed by the students in particular.  They are taking hold of their future, applying their knowledge and skills, and are on course for a productive role serving themselves, their families, & this country!

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Riding Stats: Day 41---175.9 miles traveled, 3 hours and 19 minutes of moving time, 1 hour and 26 minutes of stopped time, 53 miles per hour average moving time, 37.1 miles per hour overall average, and a max speed of 84.6 miles per hour.  Day 42 and 43---Rest and catching up.  Day 44---52.54 miles traveled, 1 hour and 50 minutes of moving time, 4 hours and 54 minutes of stopped time, 28.6 miles per hour average moving time, 7.8 miles per hour overall average, and a max speed of 79.3 miles per hour.  Day 45---202.5 miles traveled, 4 hours and 50 minutes of moving time, 6 hours and 48 minutes of stopped time, 41.8 miles per hour average moving time, and 17.4 miles per hour overall average.  Day 46---244.3 miles traveled, 3 hours and 42 minutes of moving time, 3 hours and 52 minutes of stopped time, 66 miles per hour average moving time, and 32.3 miles per hour overall average.