It’s not too early to gear up for the 2007 state Legislature.  Already, Democrats are planning meaningful reform to improve our schools, health care, public safety and more.

One legislative subcommittee looking to improve the lives of Nevada’s families is the Subcommittee to Study the Effectiveness of Career and Technical High Schools.  Legislators from that group toured the Southern Nevada Vocational Technical Center (SNVTC) on March 1 to look at methods that are working at SNVTC that could be applied at other schools around the state.  

Career and technical education has proven to lower dropout rates and increase graduation rates.  For example, the dropout rate in the Clark County School District in 2004–2005 was 6.8 percent.  In career and technical schools, it was 2.2 percent.

During their tour on March 1, legislators quickly saw student enthusiasm at SNVTC.  Students in programs for cosmetology, drafting, 3-D animation, air-conditioning repair, welding, construction, food service and more are not only learning about their potential fields—they are getting hands-on experience.  Cosmetology students work on mannequins and put in five hours of training each day for two school years.  Seniors in the air-conditioning repair class spend at least 15 hours a week on paid internships, starting at about $8 an hour. 

Some students leave the school with some sort of accreditation in his or her chosen field. All students leave knowing exactly what they will have to do to enter into a job of their choosing.

In the coming months, legislators on the subcommittee will tour other schools and talk about ways to expand technical and career education during the 2007 state Legislature.  More information can be found on the school at ccsd.net/schools/snvtc/home.html.