County explores school options

Web posted Wednesday, November 1, 2000

 Have a thought? Go to the @ugusta Forums.

By Peggy Ussery
Columbia County Bureau

The job is as diverse as it sounds: career, technology and alternative education.

On one hand, the Columbia County school system wants an expanded day program in the form of either a night school or afternoon classes - or both - to give students more course offerings. After that is settled, the school system expects to refocus its vocational program and improve it.

Michael Canady is Columbia County's new director of career and technology education and alternative education. He plans to launch a night school or afternoon class program designed for students who need remediation or enrichment courses. JIM BLAYLOCK/STAFF

``I think it's going to be an exciting time for our students,'' said Michael Canady, Columbia County's new director of career and technology education and alternative education. ``I hope in the end we have better services for students. I don't think anything is out of the realm of possibility.''

Mr. Canady has been in vocational education for 21 years, working 16 years at Evans High School and five years at Greenbrier High School.

Recently, Mr. Canady was hired for the newly created director's position.

This month, a survey will go out to gauge interest for a night school or afternoon program. The program would be designed for students who need remediation or enrichment courses. Mr. Canady said he also hopes to incorporate a continuing education aspect for adult learners.

A proposal should be ready in December with plans to get the program off the ground in January.

``Our goal right now would be to have some kind of offering in place by second semester,'' Columbia County school Superintendent Tommy Price said. ``This kind of plays hand in hand with the work we had ongoing for several years now about alternative scheduling and how we could expand the school-day offerings for our kids. This is just another way of looking at that.''

To determine what would work best in Columbia County, Mr. Canady has looked at other programs, including Richmond County's evening school program. A fee schedule would have to be set, and where the new program would be housed has not been decided, he said.

After the program is off the ground, Mr. Canady will evaluate current high school courses for career and technology studies - commonly known as vocational programs. Some courses, he said, might need to be revamped to make them more meaningful in today's job market.

And, he said, it's time students realize those courses could provide them with valuable skills and in some cases a higher earning potential than if they had gone to a university.

``I think we need to look closely at classes in our technical area and make sure they are viable,'' Mr. Canady said.

Mr. Price said that ultimately the school system will have to decide whether each high school can support all the career and technology offerings or if there should be cluster sites for programs. Or, he said, it could be the school system should establish a vocational center.

``We want to make sure our curriculum is very solidly aligned with the job opportunities out there, particularly in Augusta-Columbia County metro area,'' Mr. Price said.

Reach Peggy Ussery at (706) 868-1222, Ext. 112.

Submit Your Opinion Name: Email: Enter your comments here