Career and Technology Programs Could Complement Transition to New Compulsory Attendance Law

As reported in the Frederick News-Post, local school systems will soon enter the first year where Maryland students must stay in school until age 17 years.

One way that school systems are planning to ease the transition to the new higher compulsory attendance age is through expanding options for dual-enrollment at career and technology programs in local community colleges, as described by the News-Post,

Staff has worked to prepare for the coming year, Hartsock [Frederick County Public School (FCPS) Director of Student Services] said, and FCPS has, over time, diversified its options for classes. For example, the school system implemented dual enrollment, a program that allows students to register and earn credit in college-level courses. Such classes are taught either at their high school or on a college campus, the most popular being Frederick Community College.

Students who wish to drop out at age 16 typically cite a lack of interest in school as the reason, Hartsock said. Dual enrollment, or classes within the Career and Technology Center, Hartsock said, can typically capture the interest of students entertaining the idea of dropping out.

For more information, see the whole story from the News-Post.

MACo’s Summer Conference will feature a panel discussion on apprenticeships, including career and technology programs offered by local community colleges. Skills to Compete: How Our Schools Are Strengthening Maryland’s Future Workforce will be held on Saturday, August 15, 2015, from 9:30-11 am at the Ocean City Convention Center.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference:

For a schedule of educational sessions at MACo’s Summer Conference, please view the Registration Brochure.

Questions? Contact Meetings & Events Director Virginia White.