Hoachlander gives an overview of the new career and technical education and makes the case for its expansion as a framework that could improve the preparation of all students for higher education and the workforce.
Hoachlander sites empirical evidence to show that the multiple pathways methodology has actually improved the preparation of at-risk students for college.
Hoachlander argues that far from tracking students into dead end jobs, career and technical education might improve high achieving students’ chances of getting into elite universities.
Hoachlander and Mary Metz, director of the Biotech Academy at Fremont High School, clarify that the industry foci in multiple pathways simply provide a coherent program of study and do not force students to commit to a particular career in 9th grade.
This Stanford study includes relevant, career-oriented education for all students as a major design strategy that has contributed to successful schools.
A recent Gates Foundation study argues that if schools provided more opportunities for real-world learning, it would improve their students’ chances of graduating from high school.
