Vocational Technical Education in Boston: Towards Accountability, Prioritization, and Decentralization.

Overview & Synopsis

This report proposes 2 major governance options and 19 programmatic recommendations, partially directed at expanding the role of community-based organizations in improving the quality of vocational-technical education at the Madison Park/Humphrey Center in Boston. The report is based on a study that assessed and presented the views of Black and Latino community-based organizations and interests regarding the future direction and governance of the Madison Park/Humphrey Center. Data were gathered through workshops and meetings of parents, teachers, and community and business representatives set up by an advisory committee. The two governance recommendations, aimed at establishing accountability for results in vocational-technical education, are that an independent vocational-technical education school district be established in Boston through a Home Rule petition and that a strong form of school-based management be established for the Madison Park/Humphrey Center. The 19 programmatic recommendations revolve around basic skills acquisition. professional development of educators, educational articulation and cooperation, technology education, a preengineering program, part-time and evening programs, an equal opportunity employment office, a humanities module, student/teacher visits to worksites, curriculum evaluation, and grantsmanship. The appendices include a list of study participants as well as statements on 12 perceived weaknesses of vocational technical education at the Center. (KC)