K. Rypkema Relevance in Education and Learning “All Education is Career Education”

K. Rypkema Lansing School District Kathleen Rypkema Project Development Specialist Career and Technical Education Project Director 21 st Century after school programming.

K. Rypkema As students go so goes the State! “Michigan’s future is dependent upon our ability to provide all children with a quality education that helps them succeed. Schools must incorporate rigor, relationships, and real world relevance into classrooms Governor Jennifer Granholm May 2008

K. Rypkema Lansing School District 23 elementary, 4 middle, 3 high schools and a continuous focus on student achievement, career awareness, exploration, and experience across levels. District Perkins funding supports CTE course offerings for more than 125 students.

K. Rypkema Staying competitive Relevance in learning must include links between K-12 schools, businesses, universities, and communities LSD more than 65 partnerships in job shadowing, mentorship's, advisory committees, career speakers, district volunteers, WIA, and apprenticeships.

K. Rypkema Gates survey results are….. 81% of high school students surveyed by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation said they wanted more real world learning opportunities. 88% cited becoming disengaged in irrelevant studies as the reason for dropping out of high school. Authentic classroom studies spell greater success in and beyond high school.

K. Rypkema Lansing School District CTE The home school focus: LSD closed Hill Career Academy in 2009 moving four existing high demand, high wage, high skill programs into the home schools. Throughout program offerings and enrollment have grown to include Accounting1 and advanced, Business and Finance management, Patient Care Technician, Emergency Medical Services, Dental Technology, Graphic Printing and Technology and additional non-state approved vocational education courses.

K. Rypkema “The shrinkage of the U.S. technically able workforce is the greatest threat to our national security.” Rick Stephens V.P. Boeing Career and Technical Education CTE must be integrated into the schools as a fundamental component of every students education from K-12 through postsecondary. Recognized for its intrinsic value namely relevant and applied learning.