Problem:  Vocational secondary education often tends to focus very 
tightly on a single trade for the final three years of high 
school.  Placement rates in the selected fields are fairly low, 
however.  In addition, the relative likelihood of a career change 
and the increasing demand for greater analytic skills in blue-
collar employment have made the traditional vocational program 
less successful at producing the workers needed.

Proposed Solution:  The Rindge School of Technical Arts in 
Cambridge MA has developed a program called CityWorks to broaden 
and strengthen the vocational curriculum.  Ninth-graders in the 
program learn about the city of Cambridge, using it both for a 
source of projects and as a location for problem-solving 
exercises.  These results are presented to audiences with detailed 
information about the proposed solutions.

Evaluation:  The project is in its first year.  Short-term results 
are visible in increased attendance and interest and improved 
performance in academic subjects by participating students.

Contact:  Maria Ferri, Rindge School of Technical Arts, 459 
Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138.  Phone 617-349-6752.

Citation:  "Innovations 1992."  Governing Magazine, Volume 6, 
October 1992, pp. 37-38.

Keywords:  vocational education, training

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