High school workforce classes

LONGVIEW - Longview city officials are working on adding more "career- related" classes along with the usual high school studies.

Officials say these classes will help students get ready for "real-world" jobs.

Longview Superintendent, James Wilcox said, "Its a mistake in judgement that will have a long term effect on Texas when we think every student in every high school in Texas is going to continue and get a four year degree."

As the number of college dropouts goes up, city and school officials want to offer students classes to get them ready to go to work.

LEDCO Director, John Stroud said, "What we would like to see is a pathway for careers and fine arts so young people who want to pursue careers and go ahead and start in high school then after graduation they can continue to take more classes at a community college."

For example, officials want to teach technology, health and mechanics courses while incorporating math and science.

Stroud said, "You can start taking career programs and technology programs in high school and get dual credit and college credit for these courses.

Dr. Wilcox said, "When these students report to a job they will be ready, capable, able and willing to fulfill their duties."

Stroud said, "This is important not only to our economy but to people too who are graduating from high school, there are going to be really good job opportunities available."

And officials say students who will be ready to go to work straight out of high school, should be trained and ready.