The face of vocational education is changing, powered by the new tools of technology, but our objective remains the same: to teach students skills that can translate into successful careers.
Examples of vocational training at the high school level include:
Novell Computer Networking Ð the course teaches how to keep a network running smoothly and prepares students for the Novell Certified Networking Administrator (CAN) designation.
Cisco Regional Networking Academy Ð The Cisco program focuses on how to design, build and maintain a network. Richardson High School (RHS) is the first regional Networking Academy in Texas, supporting our three high schools plus seven other local academies. After four semesters, students are prepared for Cisco Certified Internetworking Associate (CCIA) accreditation.
Microsoft Office Õ97 certification Ð Microsoft Office is both the industry and district standard. Students work through Beginning Office Õ97 in grades 7-9, and Intermediate and Advanced Office Õ97 in grades 10-12. Then they can become Microsoft Certified Users.
Sun Microsystems Ð We offer a preparatory Java Certification program and a Web Mastering course. Students may then apply for a Sun Microsystems Grant or perform student internships at local businesses. This year a RHS student intern designed the web page for Fossil Inc.
Health Science Technology Ð A pilot program at RHS provides team teaching with a Baylor/Richardson Hospital Nurse and RISD Anatomy and Physiology Instructor.
Future possibilities include Oracle database administration.
The following offerings will be available to all secondary campuses by next fall: biotechnology; computer aided design in architecture; computer graphics; electricity and electronics; energy and power; environment and ecology; flight technology; laser mechanisms and robotics; rocketry and flight; tools and machines; transportation; and video production.
The emphasis in our Technology Education labs is on problem solving, teamwork and project management, which our Telecom Corridor business partners tell us are the most important skills needed in industry today. Collaborative teams of students take a product from concept, through computer-aided design, create a prototype with robotics, develop business and marketing plans, then prepare advertising materials using desktop publishing.
Initial earning potential for students completing these programs varies from $15 to $20 per hour or $30,000 to $40,000 per year. Futurists are predicting top lifetime earning capability of $75,000 to $90,000 in technology-related professions.
Both of RISDÕs 24 credit degree plans prepare students for college and 87 percent of our graduates go on to higher education. But we are providing a solid technology base for all students to be successful wage earners in the twenty-first century.
Anne Barab is an elected member of the Richardson Independent School District board. You can reach Barab at the RISD Administration Building, 400 S. Greenville, Richardson 75081, or by calling 972-301-3500.
