For many years now, perhaps since high school, I have argued that the way we educate students in our nation beyond grade school is fundamentally flawed. For too many students, the program of study they embark on through middle and high school has very little connection with what they do after graduation. These programs have lacked relevancy.

When I moved to Virginia Beach for my senior year of high school, and saw how the city was implementing various academies to provide a more relevant curriculum for its students, I was impressed. Still, a vast majority of students are left behind. Opportunities to attend the various academies are limited, and graduation requirements don’t include any relevant studies for those who may not be attending college after high school. The reality is that there are too many students who graduate without any useful skillset to be successful after high school. In addition, the knowledge gap between a basic high school education and the expectations of college can be extreemly difficult for students to cross, setting them up for failure.

We need to think differently about public education. It needs to work for our students.

Pat Edmonson has announced her proposal to change the way we educate students in Virginia. Her plan, E21VA (Education in a 21st Century Virginia), outlines significant changes to education from Pre-Kindergarten to the completion of a 2-year degree from our valuable community colleges.

Here’s a quick overview. You can read the entire document by clicking here.

Pre-K Education

Of a poll done of Kindergarten teachers nationwide, 62 percent of teachers concluded that students attending Pre-K education were more prepared for grade school. Additionally, 46 percent of teachers found that at least one out of five kindergarten students were unprepared for kindergarten. Expanding Pre-K would help children be more prepared for kindergarten and grade school, causing an increase in the academic success of students.

Elementary Education

Currently, in Virginia and nationwide, students are slipping in their mathematical and language arts skills. Meanwhile, around the world, a greater emphasis is being placed on math skills and language arts. Each grade level would have a specialized math and a specialized language arts teacher to aid in intructing students are their own pace, improving student understanding and achievement.

The arts and foreign language studies will be emphasized, leading to more well balanced students who are creative and able to compete in the global economy.

Junior Academy Instruction (Formerly middle or junior high schools)

Students will be challenged in Junior Academy to continue their intensive study of mathematics and language arts. More electives will be offered as well, giving Junior Academy students an opportunity to prepare for more rigorous and focused instruction as they graduate and enter Senior Academy.

Student will continue their foreign language studies, and continue to be introduced to the various branches of the arts, including music, visual arts, and dramatic arts.

Senior Academy Instruction (Formerly high schools)

Every Senior Academy student who demonstrates mastery of his or her subjects will be able to take classes at a community college, while enrolled in high school. This program would also be free to the student, so every child could afford this opportunity. Students will be able to enter a program that would offer a dual graduation, earning a diploma and an Associate’s degree at the same time.

If a student wanted to obtain an associates agree after graduating high school from a Virginia community college it would also be free to Virginia residents. This would be available to those who did and did not take community college classes in high school. State funded higher education has already shown success in the states where it has been employed, including MA and GA.

For students who are not on the track to attend college, they may choose the vocational field they want additional study in, including many programs such as, auto mechanics and computer systems repair. Students will be required to earn college credit or enroll in a certificate program in Senior Academy.

Adult Education

Adults, and companies who support the continued education of their workforce, will be provided additional tax credits toward the cost of tuition at Virginia’s community colleges. In addition, tuition forgiveness can be available to students who commit to long-term teaching after their graduation.

For more information about Pat Edmonson’s E21VA plan, including proposals to cover the additional costs associated with the plan, click here to read the entire plan.

[X-Posted to Blue Commonwealth]

Related posts:

1. So, it’s okay to target Democrats because Republicans are an institutional minority?
2. Deeds WAPO editorial clarifies his transportation plan
3. Youth lead the charge toward victory
4. Elections Matter: McDonnell Leading Conservative Swing
5. Opposition to Obama’s speech to students indicates desperation among conservatives