A bill that would allow school districts to establish career academies for students in grades seven through 12 was discussed in an Education Committee hearing Jan. 30.<\/p>\n
LB1144, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brad Ashford, would allow school districts to partner with community colleges or educational service units to provide career-focused academies. Ashford said these academies would provide an alternative educational environment for students who are unsuccessful in the traditional classroom.<\/p>\n
\u201cA young person won\u2019t be happy where they are if they\u2019re not being stimulated,\u201d Ashford said. \u201cA focus school gives them an identity and a peer group that encourages success.\u201d<\/p>\n
Students seeking a career-focused education would be recruited to attend the academies. The curriculum provided at career academies would focus on mathematics, science and technology in addition to job and skills training.<\/p>\n
Ashford said a key component of the bill would encourage career academies to establish partnerships with local businesses to provide internships.<\/p>\n
Union Pacific public relations director Brenda Mainwaring testified in support, saying the bill would help satisfy a desperate need for skilled workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year we will fill 500 jobs,\u201d Mainwaring said. \u201cOver half of those will not require a college degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kent Rogert, representing the Omaha Learning Community, testified in a neutral capacity. He said the bill would address an important need and asked that it receive the necessary financial support.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re going to implement a program like this, make sure it is properly funded,\u201d Rogert said.<\/p>\n
No one testified in opposition to the bill and the committee took no immediate action.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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