Letters to the Editor

New bill supports non-college route

Next week will begin the first interim committee week for the Florida Legislature in anticipation for the 2012 Legislative session. I have filed several bills, including one related to high school graduation and other opportunities that students may wish to pursue after graduation. While many students choose to continue their education at a college or university, there are others who wish to enter the workforce and develop a trade or skill that they are passionate for and demonstrate a talent in. House Bill 111, relating to career education, essentially provides for this alternative track to be made available for incoming high school students to allow them to hone their trade or skills while in high school in order to better prepare them for the demands of the workforce or continuing education after graduation.

Middle school students would receive information on career and education planning; this lays the groundwork for students to begin thinking long-term about their goals and aspirations. It is my hope that by introducing them at an early age to the great opportunities that the world has to offer- from agriculture to zoology, that it will encourage them to work hard to be successful.

Once in high school, the student and parent would agree to have the student follow the career education track in lieu of the “regular” high school education curriculum.

Instead of advanced mathematics or sciences primarily used to prepare for college-level courses, the student would take several courses in a specific vocation or trade and must pass with a C average for those courses within the same vocation in order to graduate. While this may sound like a new program, the educational infrastructure for this program already exists throughout the state of Florida in every school district.

Technical training, vocation programs and career-focused opportunities are available to high school students, and this legislation would greatly facilitate students being able to pursue those academic programs which best suit their goals and aspirations. Receiving this diploma does not bar or prevent a student from continuing on to college. In fact, many programs related to technical and vocational training are provided through local community and state colleges, such as firefighting, cosmetology, veterinary assistant and patient care technician, just to name a few. Apprentice programs are available for trades such as electrician, plumber and air conditioning repair. Additionally, taking certain requirements for these programs can give the student a head start on receiving an associate’s degree, as many classes are also requirements for the associate’s-level degree.

I’ve received very positive feedback in regards to this proposed legislation. One individual noted that it is important to remember that not every student wishes to go to college. Some students would prefer to be a firefighter, others an electrician or maybe a welder. However, all students, regardless of their pursuits, need to be educated before entering the “real world” in the ways that life works in terms of finances and communication. I would like to see this program offer students the chance to learn to take mathematics that provides guidance on how the numbers work in terms of credit cards, checking accounts, and savings. Students could take a course on how communication operates in the work place, such as how forms are organized and what paperwork is important. Ultimately, this bill would provide students with the solid education they need to be successful, responsible, independent members of our community. The bill is currently awaiting its first reading and committee assignments. If you would like additional information, contact my office at 407-884-2023. As always, it is an honor to serve you.

—State Rep. Bryan Nelson