Any substantive scrutiny of these programs must determine whether all the courses still merit inclusion. Some, such as hospitality and tourism, reflect inconsistent interest. Others, including vocal musical performance, would seem more appropriately pursued as extracurricular activities than within vocational-education programs. Improving this curriculum also requires the district to take it more seriously in collaboration with traditional academic courses and teachers. The advantages of collaboration between the two sets of educators is obvious.
Youngsters benefit when their education is looked at holistically.
Curricula could be improved for vocational education students if all of their teachers participate in planning an integrated education. Certain skills are needed by all students, no matter their course of study. Equally important, a cooperative and collegial partnership can help erase an image of vocational education as less valid than its general academic counterpart. Children should not suffer a stigma because their talents and interests point them in different directions. The district already has an agreement with Columbus State Community College to assist vocational-education students who wish to further their training.