Published: October 25, 2011
Langevin Unveils New Education Legislation Modeled on Providence Effort
Highlights program at Providence Career and Technical Academy
Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) unveiled a bipartisan bill today that would foster greater integration of traditional academics, career and technical education training and workplace experience for secondary school students. The Education for Tomorrow's Jobs Act (H.R. 3154 and S. 1686) supports this practice, known as "linked learning," as a way to better prepare students for college and careers with the best potential for job growth. Providence Mayor Angel Taveras and the city school district's superintendent, Dr. Susan F. Lusi, joined Langevin for the announcement at Providence Career and Technical Academy, which has set an example of this type of curriculum under Principal Ramon Torres.
Providence Career and Technical Academy Principal Ramon Torres watches as Congressman Langevin announces legislation modeled on his school's efforts.
|
"Under this legislation, students will receive relevant, rigorous and real-world experiences," said Langevin. "This is exactly what is going on at the Providence Career and Technical Academy, and I know everyone here will tell you how important it is for our students to see a glimpse of the world beyond the classroom and to nurture their interests and talents in areas in which our country must excel, such as engineering and information technology."
"We are proud of our successes at Providence Career and Technical Academy and across our school district, and pleased that our work to integrate academics with career and technical education is recognized in this legislation. I thank Congressman Langevin for his strong leadership in Washington to improve public education in Rhode Island and across our nation," said Taveras.
Langevin, who co-chairs the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, has introduced the measure in the House with fellow caucus members Glenn 'GT' Thompson (R-PA), who serves as the other co-chair, Judy Chu (D-CA), and Todd Platts (R-PA). The legislation amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), known as No Child Left Behind, to provide flexibility in the plans school districts submit outlining their intended use of federal funds. It encourages them to implement proven strategies that combine academic and technical instruction and create partnerships with local industry, higher education and community organizations. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) has submitted the same proposal in the other chamber.
Providence Career and Technical Academy's efforts demonstrate the benefits of the approach promoted by the new bill. Principal Torres has noted that he sees students gain a greater motivation to learn when they understand the connection of their classes to their career interests.
"It is wonderful to see the light bulb suddenly turn on for students when they realize, for instance, that what they are learning in fourth period math class is critical to succeeding in the job they want in the auto industry," said Torres. "When you make their education relevant, it changes everything."
In addition to an emphasis on technical training in areas like auto mechanics while at school, students have the opportunity to pursue internships, some of which lead to job offers after graduation. Business leaders serve on advisory boards to offer input about ways to enhance the classroom experience. One of the board members, Peter Kazarian from Carrier-NORESCO, who attended Providence Public Schools, spoke at the event about the importance of this aspect of the school's program in preparing our future workforce and the value of the internships to both the students and companies involved.
Today's event continued Langevin's efforts aimed at closing the skills gap, which is preventing businesses from filling job openings in Rhode Island and nationwide, by improving collaboration between the business, education and labor communities, and preparing students with the abilities they need to succeed in expanding fields. In Rhode Island, he brought public and private sector leaders together for a Pathways to Prosperity Summit on this subject earlier this year and launched the Rhode Island Cyber Foundations Competition to develop young talent in cybersecurity.
At the federal level, Langevin has rallied more than 50 colleagues from across the political spectrum in support of restoring Perkins Act funding, which gives students access to the latest technology and equipment to prepare them for jobs in high-skill, high-demand careers. In addition, recognizing our nation's shortcomings in the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math), he has introduced legislation with Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) to open up grants to alternative math and science education that provide the hands on learning opportunities our students need to excel.
"Our students are the problem solvers, the innovators and the job creators of tomorrow," said Langevin. "A failure to engage them with activities relevant to the high-tech, high-skill and high-wage fields that are defining the 21st century economy will hurt our country's innovative edge and leave us unable to do the jobs that expanding companies need - a problem I have seen at businesses in our state."
Search News
