EDUCATING EVERY STUDENT FOR SUCCESS

What happens to students who will not earn a degree past their high school diploma? And what about the students who do not even reach that milestone? Is there something more their schools can offer that will result in educating these students for success?

In some circumstances, it’s not so difficult. Larger districts have the luxury of multiple high school buildings, which enables them to create magnet schools. These schools can offer specialized classes so students can graduate with an employable skill. Students can graduate with the ability to work as an auto mechanic, beautician, network administrator, receptionist, an office manager and more. Unfortunately, areas that have only one or two high schools face a different challenge for their secondary students. Areas that have smaller districts are also more likely to have limited resources for occupational training outside of the public school system. So how does a smaller district overcome this challenge?

The Brownwood Independent School District, in Brownwood, Texas has found a solution to make sure that none of their youth falls through the educational cracks. This rural district is going beyond the requirements of the No Child Left Behind legislation to make sure that their young people are given every opportunity to leave Brownwood High School with more than a diploma as they can actually earn a voucher to take certification tests in a variety of areas.

The Brownwood district purchased LearnKey's certification training for CompTia's A+, CertiPort's IC³, Microsoft Office Specialist, as well as Adobe's Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop. Technology Director, Edward Yantis, explained that the district will pay the fee for students to take the IC³ certification exam as long as the student has completed the preparation course offered through LearnKey's OnlineExpert solution and has passed LearnKey's IC³ MasterExam. "It is important that each student is given the opportunity to have a better future through the certification program." Mr. Yantis expressed his desire for every student in Brownwood ISD to have the opportunity to have an advantage when seeking a career even if he does not choose to pursue a college degree. "We feel strongly that this certification program will give them the opportunity to earn a better living."

According to Doris Woolery, the technology teacher at Brownwood High School, the certification program is expanding to possibly include ten more certification programs. “Nothing is set yet; we are in the beginning stages,” says Woolery. “Our goal is to have new certification courses in place by the end of this school year.” The various programs include, but are not limited to, a Welding Helper Certification, Bookkeeping Fundamentals Certification, Pesticide Applicator Certification, Customer Service Certification including areas of Marketing and ServSafe© Certification which focuses on Nutrition, Food Science & Food Science and Technology.

The Brownwood district is a great example of what can be accomplished through online learning and LearnKey is proud to a part of this success.