Editor’s note: This commentary is by Heather Bouchey, who is deputy secretary of the Vermont Agency of Education.
[W]orking with several partners and stakeholders, the Agency of Education is contributing significantly to Gov. Phil Scott’s vision of a cradle-to-career education system in Vermont. Recent trends show that Vermont’s economy is strong. Our schools are consistently ranked as some of the strongest in the country, but challenges lie ahead, and we must act now to grow our capacity to develop Vermont’s 21st century workforce.
In pursuit of this goal, the agency is collaborating with educators, nonprofit leaders, employers and other state agency partners to develop and pilot forward-thinking practices in the areas of flexible pathways, proficiency-based learning and career technical education. Our state education plan implements new accountability metrics for schools that support the governor’s vision. Our goal is to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s modern workplace.
Vermont is a national leader in education, both for the quality of our schools and for several cutting-edge practices. We want to match the talents and interests of our students to well-paying, sustainable careers. We want to support their growth and strengthen Vermont’s economy and communities.
In support of this goal, the agency has recently rolled out several new programs. More developments are coming in the fall. We recently announced two new career pathways initiatives in advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity. These career pathways will help students graduate high school with the credentials and certifications that companies tell us they value. Both industries are growing in Vermont and offer well-paying job opportunities. Retirements in the advanced manufacturing field mean that skilled graduates are in high demand. Our efforts in developing grade 7-12 manufacturing curricula dovetail with the ongoing work of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development and Vermont’s Talent Pipeline Management project.
Similarly, cybersecurity is growing across the country. Vermont needs more workers in this industry to help protect our digital infrastructure. The Agency of Education is working with our partners at the Agency of Digital Services and Norwich University to create the nation’s first K-16 career pathway in cybersecurity.
The agency also recently approved the National Center for Construction Education and Research’s “Introductory Craft Skills” curriculum for teaching at regional career technical education centers starting this fall. This exciting curriculum will help students interested in the construction trades by ensuring they have the skills and certifications employers are looking for. The construction industry in Vermont is facing a labor shortage due to retirements. The agency partnered with construction companies, career and technical education centers and the Vermont Talent Pipeline Management project in approving this curriculum.
Finally, as part of Vermont’s state education plan, the agency will roll out the “Annual Snapshot” this fall. The Annual Snapshot is an online tool that shares with citizens how our Vermont schools are doing on a range of indicators. Data from the snapshot, together with integrated field reviews, will help schools have a holistic sense of how they are meeting the needs of students from all backgrounds. These data will help communities to grow and improve. Our philosophy is one of continuous improvement, where all schools can work to do more to prepare students for lifelong success.
The Agency of Education is committed to supporting the governor’s goals to create a strong cradle-to-career education system that will help grow Vermont’s economy. We are strongly committed to the principle of equity in education. These initiatives and programs support our mission, working to ensure that every Vermont learner gets a great education. Our goal is to set our students up for success, whether they decide to go on to college, enter a fulfilling, in-demand career in one of Vermont’s many growing industries, or both.
