These schools are committed to high academic standards for all students and to ensuring that all their students have the knowledge and skills to pursue postsecondary education. They provide the opportunity for all students to explore careers, do community or work-based learning, use technology to enhance learning, and create safe, supportive learning environments for their students. They also stress parental involvement, have strong business partnerships, and work closely with postsecondary institutions. These schools have seen test scores go up, dropout rates come down, and postsecondary enrollment rates increase significantly. For example, the Chicago High School for Agricultural Science offers a high-tech, academically challenging curriculum in the context of agricultural science.
Students team up with industry for science projects and internships.
Swansee High School in South Carolina eliminated the general track, revamped its curricula and teacher training programs, and now provides internships for all its students. As a result, the school has seen test scores and college attendance rates soar. Although the 1998 budget requests vocational education funds under current law, the Administration will submit legislation to improve the Perkins Act. The legislation would support State reforms that build career preparation systems, strengthen links between vocational education and provide education improvement strategies, streamline Federal assistance, and focus on improving program quality and results. We have been working with the States and localities to identify indicators of program performance.