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Our Schools

Real-world classes make real difference

By JEFFREY S. SOLOCHEK
Published November 3, 2006

If only we all had a dollar for every time a high school student says how much he hates school. Heard it a lot last month, when more than 9,000 Hillsborough teens retook the FCAT.

Rather than riches, though, we should think about what would make high school enjoyable for the many kids who show up to hang with friends, eat lunch, play sports and do just about anything but learn.

Josia Hernandez has a thought, and it really makes a lot of sense. It boils down to one word - relevance.

Hernandez, a 17-year-old who lives in East Tampa, loathes assignments and lessons that lack a real-world connection. He's contemplated dropping out. But Hernandez has ambitions that don't include unemployment.

So he enrolled in the computer systems technology magnet program at Middleton High School.

Students get hands-on training in hardware, networking and security. It's not easy stuff. You learn logic, engineering, physics and mechanics. You build computers.

At the end, students can earn industry-accepted certifications that allow them to get jobs. The program also includes a diploma, so students can go to college too.

"The only reason I go to school is because of this program," says Hernandez, a senior who is starting a computer business called Primo PC Customs with classmate Carlos Zeissig of South Tampa.

Look around, and you'll see that many such programs stoke teens' interest in learning. More than computers, there's culinary arts, marine science, architecture and health professions.

"What better way to start early?" says Zeissig, also 17. "Plus, it's a free education."

Indeed. The identical course work at nearby Erwin Technical Center would cost more than $3,600.

This route is not only for teens who don't like academics. Zeissig takes Advanced Placement courses and has a grade point average above 5.0.

These teens have lots of confidence and respect for themselves and others. And they have purpose, in a sea of teens who don't.

That's why they think that more joint professional/academic programs should be the future of high school.

"Ten years from now, I don't see any more 'normal' schools," Hernandez says. "They will see what really helps students."

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To get good reading material into the hands of students, Plant High School is collecting new and gently used books Monday through Nov. 17.

The books will be given to local kindergarteners through high schoolers who need books in their homes. The drive kicks off a schoolwide focus on reading. Drop off donations at Plant's administration office.

- - -

Julia Junquera, a community service officer with the Tampa Police Department, will speak about Internet safety at Wilson Middle School's PTSA meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the media center.

Because of sensitive content, only Wilson parents are invited.

- - -

A longtime educator has been tapped to be the upper school principal at Cambridge School.

Beverly Coney came to Cambridge in April 2004 as the director of school relations and staff development.

She has 30 years experience as a principal and national consultant for teacher training.

Staff writer Elisabeth Dyer contributed to this report. Have ideas for future columns? Contact Jeffrey S. Solochek at solochek@sptimes.com or 813 269-5304.

[Last modified November 2, 2006, 12:46:41]