RAISING THE BAR

PROGRAM TURNAROUND

I must answer yes. Five years ago I was assigned to teach at a dual-enrollment high school automotive program, which was considered one of the worst in the school district. It was a dumping ground for thugs and hoodlums, as well as the malcontent and disobedient of the school, who drove out anyone who had any real desire to learn. Recently, the program completed preparations for NATEF certification. It currently is considered one of the better automotive programs in the district.

Was it worth the effort? Without a doubt, yes. This has been a win-win situation for all. Students win: They now have a safe, clean place to learn how to use industry-standard equipment. Several students work in local repair shops. They have an early start on a promising career.

Schools win: Instead of an embarrassment, the program is a source of pride.

Instructors win: Instead of dealing with the thugs and hoodlums of the school, the instructors are teaching students who want to learn.

Local repair businesses win: When students leave the program, they are better prepared for the workforce. Even students who do not take jobs in the automotive service industry are better consumers and customers because of the training they have received.

The automotive service industry wins: The industry's image is enhanced when quality training takes place at all levels.

What does it take to raise enrollment standards? It takes instructors, school administrators, parents and industry all working together for positive change in automotive training in today's high schools.

DIFFICULT, BUT ATTAINABLE

Students in the automotive program at the Technical High School of Carroll County are the best. My program (NATEF and AYES certified) is the best that my administration and I have been able to create on the budget we have this year, and we will plan better for next school year.

Raising the standards has been and still is difficult in public education. We can turn none away. Technical programs are, in the eyes of some, a second-class education. To a few of the high school counselors, we are a good place to send kids that could not make up their minds or achieve grades for higher academic pursuits. We do get a lot of unfocused teens, but I know that properly motivated, some teens can do anything. I am fed up with counselors who think college is for smart kids and tech school is for the B and C student.

We all in the automotive service industry need to come to the table with positive attitudes. Highly trained technicians are in short supply. Young people with good attitudes developed by programs like VICA/SkillsUSA and AYES training will be the future of this industry. Is the high school program the right way to develop our young people for tomorrow's jobs? Yes! Add in an administration with technical education vision, a teacher that is an automotive professional with the right attitude and give it business support. (Not just buying a page in the football program.) And you will have an Automotive Service Technology class where all can learn something and a few can learn all.