Career Programming Strategies - Final Report

Overview:
Ron Liepert, Minister of Education, traveled to Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington on September 17, 2007 to examine two different models of career program training delivery for high school students. 

Mission Objectives:
To explore innovative new approaches to career programming. 

Results:
On September 17, 2007, Minister Liepert visited two high school facilities:  Benson Polytechnic High School in Portland, Oregon and Clark County Skills Center in Vancouver, Washington.  The opportunity to examine two very different models for career and technology studies programming was invaluable.   

Benson Polytechnic High School provides career training on-site for students as they pursue their high school diploma.  The school has been successful in reaching out to the community and business in an effort to maintain their equipment and keep their instruction current and relevant. 

Minister Liepert had the opportunity to discuss this model further with Portland public school officials over a working lunch. 

Clark County Skills Center offered another alternative to career and technology studies programming.  In order to better leverage current resources and funding, 10 school districts in the surrounding area cooperatively own the Skills Center.  Students are bussed in every day to participate in their career programming studies and then return to their home schools to continue their other courses.  Partnerships between education and business continue to be successfully fostered to ensure quality instruction, modern facilities and equipment. 

Delegation:
Ron Liepert, Minister of Alberta Education
Jamie Curran, Executive Assistant to Minister Liepert