Will 8850 Form Vocational 2016-2024

Education has always been a priority for the NewsHour, and starting tonight, we are expanding our coverage on Tuesdays with a new feature series called "Making the Grade." This series will provide in-depth reporting on education issues at every level, from early childhood and preschool to high school and beyond with higher education. We will explore fundamental concerns in schools, communities, and workplaces, and also cover lesser-known approaches. In tonight's episode, we will focus on vocational education, which is gaining recognition for its value for some students. However, determining when it's working for the long haul can be challenging. Special correspondent John Tulenko from Education Week has our story. This year, approximately three million students will graduate from high school, with most of them continuing on to college. While this should be a cause for celebration, the reality is that nearly 40% of those attending four-year colleges and around 70% of community college students will never earn their degrees. It is a national shame when students graduate high school without a clear path, go to college, drop out, accumulate debt, and remain unsure of their future. Principal Dave Wheeler believes that one solution lies in schools like Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School, where students can learn trade skills and professions. Instead of going to college, they can directly enter the workforce. At vocational schools, students have the opportunity to choose a career program starting in ninth grade. They spend their first semester sampling various professions taught at the school. Dejan Lopes, for example, chose culinary arts and enjoys cooking a variety of dishes from different cuisines. Vocational schools provide a hands-on learning experience, allowing students to practice their skills in real-life scenarios. Students from different majors collaborate on various projects, such as repairing cars, doing cosmetology, construction work, and...