What is vocational magnet?

[Anonymous]

This was mentioned on the WJ/ Woodard thread that MCPS might create a vocational magnet to bus kids east into the new school. What even is a vocational magnet in 2018+?

As a kid I remember vocational schools teaching auto mechanics and hair dressing. I guess hair dressing jobs are still around but much of the traditional mechanics skill is now automated. It wouldn't be IT because IT is all moving to code which requires higher level thinking, logic, and more advanced skills. PC hardware repair isn't a good investment in building a future workforce.

[Anonymous]

+1 We had vo-tech centers to which they shipped kids from multiple towns where I grew up: Cosmetology, Food Handling and Auto Mechanics were the big draw all those years ago.

Here, they've been talking about Computer Tech and Coding. But the answer is that nobody knows.

[Anonymous]

People are still getting paid to fix cars, OP.

[Anonymous]

MCPS has a vocational high school Thomas Edison. Admission is by application. Kids go for half day and are buzzed to and from their home school. It’s a great program for kids who have interests in the programs that are offered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This was mentioned on the WJ/ Woodard thread that MCPS might create a vocational magnet to bus kids east into the new school. What even is a vocational magnet in 2018+?

As a kid I remember vocational schools teaching auto mechanics and hair dressing. I guess hair dressing jobs are still around but much of the traditional mechanics skill is now automated. It wouldn't be IT because IT is all moving to code which requires higher level thinking, logic, and more advanced skills. PC hardware repair isn't a good investment in building a future workforce.

1) I'd argue that many "vocations", including mechanics require higher level thinking and logic. Just because people aren't doing desk jobs doesn't mean they aren't thinking and problem solving.

2) Why couldn't coding and other IT skills be taught at a vocational school? There are many IT jobs that don't require a college degree.

Students who want a more hands-on experience or to build career skills that don't require college are capable of critical thinking and problem solving. They may not be traditional learners and may chafe at sitting at desks all day or learning from lectures/text books. But, they certainly can be smart and good thinkers.

Vocational school works for many students and shouldn't be thought of as a lesser education, just a different education that is preparing kids to be contributing, working members of the work force.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS has a vocational high school Thomas Edison. Admission is by application. Kids go for half day and are buzzed to and from their home school. It’s a great program for kids who have interests in the programs that are offered.

Programs at Edison:

Car repair: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison/transportation/
Construction: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison/construction/
Hospitality, cosmetology, culinary arts, health professions, graphic design, law enforcement: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison/services/

[Anonymous]

Oh, and IT: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/edison/information-technology/

[Anonymous]

Edison Open House is Thursday from 5 to 8.

[Anonymous]

A new Edison HS building opens next school year (I think, out side of the building looks done) next to Wheaton HS.

When MCPS was talking about more vocational options, they were also talking about putting them in non traditional locations, like office buildings.

It's more sensible to keep Woodward a normal school. If MCPS wants to grow vocational programming seems like they'd want to expand upcounty.

[Anonymous]

Friend in Northern NJ had kids in a vocational magnet school for Theatrical arts.

OP, I think auto mechanics are absolutely valuable today.

[Anonymous]

DH and I are both products of MCPS. He went to Edison and I was RMIB. Want to take a guess at which one of us makes more money 25 years later?

[Anonymous]

MCPS has long claimed that it aims to make kids “college and career ready.” That has never been true. MCPS has emphasized college readiness over all else for decades. Edison is a good program, but it has NEVER been fully enrolled. Having to bus over to Edison from a home school discourages students from applying. MCPS needs TWO full-time, comprehensive technical high schools—one up county, one down. Businesses are crying out for graduates who have at least some basic coding skills. All of the trades need more kids who have some training. These are decent paying jobs for kids who either don’t want to go to college or simply can’t afford it at this time. There is a bit of elitism in MCPS priorities. We are letting a lot of kids down.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I are both products of MCPS. He went to Edison and I was RMIB. Want to take a guess at which one of us makes more money 25 years later?

Who is it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:DH and I are both products of MCPS. He went to Edison and I was RMIB. Want to take a guess at which one of us makes more money 25 years later?

Who?

Also, are you both still working, how long in your current careers (not jobs)? What additional education have either of you had since MCPS? Are you both happy with your career choices?

[Anonymous]

I went to a magnet school that had programs in the arts and “vo-tech.” Our technical majors included carpentry, cosmetology, and culinary arts—complete with an in-school cafe. These majors are still around today; the school has also added informational technology. All still very relevant.