High School students need vocational course offerings
To the Editor:
Thanks to The Argus for the recent Home & Garden Guide that put the spotlight on local businesses. Chad Augedahl is just one example of several of my former students who developed an interest in a specific vocational area while in high school. Many of these students have built successful careers and businesses based on what they experienced in high school, and I am very proud of all of them.
Unfortunately since my retirement in 2001 I have noted a decline each year in the number of vocational courses offered at Caledonia High School. District #299 isn’t the only school system in which this problem has developed. Lack of vocational course offerings has become widespread in many secondary schools. Since I am a retired industrial arts instructor, I find this issue very upsetting.
Yes, we all know that times are difficult, and budgets are tight. However, do we really want to severely limit the opportunities that our students have to make sound career choices? Sound career choices include careers both in the professional or “clean hands” area and the vocational or “dirty hands” area. I believe our students need introductions to courses in both areas, and that is why there needs to be a variety of course offerings. Then students are in a better position to seek the proper post-secondary training that will put them on the path to successful careers and brighter futures.
Wm. Ken Eglinton
Hokah, MN
Well said, Mr. Eglinton