The Houston Chronicle published an article about a new plan to train students, especially in low-income areas, for specific careers. The skills listed in the article are “process technology” (in “chemical, refining, and manufacturing careers”), “electronic engineering,” “network and computer administration,” “logistics and global supply,” and “pharmacy technology.”

Now this is what I’m talking about. If executed well, programs like this could have a significant positive impact on our education system and society in general. This is right in line with some of my proposals in my education essay, namely:

1. Make the curriculum more practical.
2. Encourage early specialization.
3. Reduce the emphasis on “preparation for college.”
4. Develop trade schools.

The most important thing here is that we give kids something constructive to do. If we give them practical skills and enable them to start working, kids who otherwise might have felt worthless and directionless and turned to gangs and drugs would instead feel like contributing members of society who have some say. That’s the kind of change that will make America a better place to live in.

I hope this program receives the support it needs in order to have a chance at success.

Here’s a link to the article in the Chronicle:

HISD looking to help graduates land jobs