Denver Public Schools should require that students take career and technical education classes that teach résumé writing and interviewing skills, a group of parents told school board members Thursday.
“I’m not big on math; I’m not big on science,” said Jennifer Pike, a Denver Public Safety cadet, to board members and DPS Superintendent Michael Bennet. “But these other skills, like knowing how to do a proper interview … they’re actually what I use today.”
The request comes as DPS board members contemplate more stringent graduation requirements starting with the class of 2010.
These proposed standards call for four years of math, four years of English, three years of science and three years of social studies.
Advocates for career and technical education want DPS to also require a year’s worth of classes that, among other skills, hone career and job preparatory training.
“My deep-set concern as a parent is that … all children are ready to be self-sufficient adults,” said Bob Campoy, whose two kids graduated from DPS schools.
The decision about which classes to require has sparked lively conversation in teacher circles.
The proposed requirements make students take algebra and geometry, plus two more years of higher math. The three years of science have to be earth science, biology and either chemistry or physics. Students graduating in 2010 or later would also have to take two years of academic electives. This is where the career and technical education classes could fit in.
According to the recommendations, what students take isn’t specified, except that it requires a year of music, art or drama.
This should change, chief academic officer Jaime Aquino said Thursday. Aquino said he supported giving students a wide choice for what they could take for electives.
Aquino said he’s heard compelling arguments from teachers that when the district faces budget cuts, the “non- required” classes are always the first to go.
By not specifying which elective courses students have to take, the most popular courses would be saved, Aquino said.
DPS board members will probably vote on the new requirements this summer.
Staff writer Allison Sherry can be reached at 303-820-1377 or asherry@denverpost.com.
