Kaine wants to add STEM programs to local schools
U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine has introduced for the second time a bill that would allow middle school students to explore career and technical education programs through apprenticeships or projects.
Shenandoah Valley educators endorse Kaine's Middle STEP Act, saying it is important for students to develop career plans while they are attending middle school. Kaine is pushing the legislation because he has been told of the need for additional career exploration at the middle school level by teachers, employers and education groups, according to a Kaine spokesperson.
The Middle STEP Act would allow middle schools to partner with postsecondary institutions and businesses to develop and start career and technical education exploration programs. The apprenticeship and project opportunities offered under such a program are more typically available in high school.
Federal grants would be awarded to eligible partnerships that would be comprised of a school district or an area career and technical education school or an education service agency, a postsecondary institution and at least one representative of either a local or regional business, industry, nonprofit organization or apprenticeship program.
Kaine's initial legislation was not passed in the 113th Congress, but this time he has a number of Senate co-sponsors. The senator hopes to get the bill attached as an amendment to the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The last significant amendment to the ESEA was the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act, according to a Kaine spokesperson.
Funding for the Middle STEP Act would come from the Appropriations Committees of both the Senate and House, and the initial program would be a pilot one. The U.S. Department of Education along with a peer review panel would determine the eligible partnerships. The Department of Education would also ensure that each grant is sufficient in size, scope and quality, according to a Kaine spokesperson.
Kaine has visited career and technical centers across Virginia, including Shenandoah Valley Career and Technical Center in Fishersville a year ago. When visiting the Fishersville center, Kaine met with local employers and instructors to get a better understanding of employment and training needs. The senator has also visited the Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice Shool, Monroe Technology Center in Ashburn and the career and technical education programs at Louisa County High School.
In a press release, the junior senator said "instead of having students wait until high school to explore their own strengths, likes and dislikes, we should encourage students to take full advantage of CTE exploration that will educate them about coursework and training that matches their career interests."
Virginia's other U.S. senator, Mark Warner, is a co-sponsor of the legislation. Warner said "allowing young people more time to explore their options empowers them with more choices." Warner said further that the career and technical education expansion "ensures that America's future workforce is prepared to compete in a global economy."
Sue Wright, the director of instruction for the Waynesboro Schools, said that school district wants students to develop a career plan by the time they are in the 7th grade. She said it is important for students to explore careers. "It (career exploration) gives a purpose to what they are studying,'' Wright said.
Wright said career exploration is necessary whether it is a job repairing equipment or using math and language art skills.
She said the Kaine legislation would also offer a platform for Waynesboro Public Schools to partner with local businesses. Wright said it is important to know the needs of local businesses, and said local companies "are so willing to help."
Michael Ormsmith, an instructional supervisor and the career and technical education administrator for the Staunton Schools, is excited about the Kaine legislation, and said it would offer a chance to reach all levels of middle school students.
Staunton City Schools have already focused on getting middle school students to consider career choices.
Staunton offered a nine-week career exploration class to sixth-graders during the recent school year, Ormsmith said. He said the school district expects to offer that class again in 2015-16. The school district is also working with the local Boy Scouts on a program that offers speakers on a cluster of career opportunities.
Kaine Press Secretary Sarah Peck said Congress is expected to debate reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act as soon as next month.
###
