Across Florida, new buzzwords in education like “technical” and “vocational” are trickling down to students, who aren’t hesitating at the chance to jumpstart their futures.
When C.J. Richards and Charles Thomas walked into their technology class at Bruner Middle School, their goals were twofold.
Not only did the eighth-graders welcome the opportunity to further explore their love of technology, they also couldn’t resist the lure of the industry certifications they could earn through the Introduction to Informational Technology (IT) course.
“We’re going to go as far as we can as fast as we can,” C.J. said.
See photos of the kids in class »
Through the IT course, the boys have earned industry certifications in Microsoft Office for Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
They aren’t alone in Okaloosa County.
Students at every middle school and high school in the district can enroll in IT classes designed to teach them about changing technology and offer the same certifications older students can get prior to high school graduation, said April Branscome, an IT specialist for the School District.
“Industry is really just calling and demanding students with these skills,” she said. “They want us to send them students prepared for the workforce.”
The focus on vocational skills is shared by state legislators, who recently approved a bill designed to increase the emphasis on technical education statewide by changing standards and increasing opportunities for monetary rewards.
If Gov. Rick Scott signs SB 1076, traditional graduation requirements will change, with the hope that more students will take vocational courses.
“Vocation has got a stigma attached to it, and we want to change that,” said Branscome, who previously taught IT classes at Niceville High School.
Ruckel Middle is one school that doesn’t seem to be struggling to break through the barriers. Right now, it has three IT teachers and so many students they teach six classes each. For next year, Principal Debra Collins Goolsby said she’s trying to find money to establish a fourth classroom, as 73 percent of Ruckel’s student body already has signed up for IT classes next year.
“They’re ready for the challenge and for the most part, liking it,” teacher Jill Dickey said.
When the certifications were introduced in middle schools this year, Dickey said she and the other IT teachers had some hesitation, but the students surprised them.
She said she expected maybe 30 of her 180 students would pass the certification exams. So far, about 90 have, which puts Dickey’s students in the lead for certifications in the district right now, Branscome said.
In addition to the IT class, eighth-graders also can enroll in a web design class that can lead to CIW Site Development Associate certification.
“This class has really helped me understand what happens on the web,” said Nicole Farmer, an eighth-grader at Ruckel. “I know that it will help me with a lot of careers that I could choose.”
According to Bruner Middle teacher Michelle Cook, the hardest part of the classes isn’t teaching the students — they’re very receptive — but slowing them down to ensure they’re truly prepared for the certification exams.
“They absolutely get it,” Cook said. “They know they have to learn technology if they want to keep up with society.”
Contact Daily News Staff Writer Katie Tammen at 850-315-4440 or ktammen@nwfdailynews.com. Follow her on Twitter @KatieTnwfdn.