M. Kathie Collins This is Me

 Web References

1. 1. Vocational education teachers are helping kids make the grade - 6.14.2000 - New York Teacher -

   www.nysut.org/newyorkteacher/b - [Cached]

   Published on: 6/14/2000   Last Visited: 6/14/2001

   This is unique , said Kathie Collins , the work-study coordinator , because most of the other BOCES are using a push-in model. Her program is based on the premise that the academics can be taught separately from job training , and that they can be integrated creatively outside of the shop.
   
   Too often , the kids come in with a preconception of math and science based on previous failures or pure boredom with abstract contexts , he said.
   
   But once he gives them standards-based science projects that relate to their career fields - like a demonstration of how heat breaks down motor oil , or a study correlating hair health with hair length - the students embrace the lessons as an extension of the trades for which they have already found a passion.
   
   ...
   Many of these students are non-traditional learners who had difficulty previously in comprehensive high schools , said M. Kathie Collins , work-study coordinator for OCM BOCES. Often the vocational education program works for them. But with the new state requirements , that just isn't enough..
   
   Since New York state has started to phase in new , tougher academic Regents Examinations as requirements for a high school diploma , students who had found ways to sidestep previous academic requirements are feeling the pressure.