WINONA, Minn. – State Representative Gene Pelowski has called for re-integrating K-12 school programs with vocational training. There was a time 30 years ago, he said, when vocational schools were part of K-12 systems but the connection began eroding when the Legislature moved vocational schools into what’s called “community and technical colleges.” What’s needed is to be sure again that high school students graduate not only with a diploma but also with job skills. He specified careers in automobiles, carpentry, electrical and welding. Pelowski laid out his vision in a radio station KWNO interview. He is beginning hearings this week on realigning K-12s and job training. It will be a long process, at least four to six years, he said. Hurdles include revising teacher prep curriculums, at Winona State for example, for licensure of a new sort of K-12 teacher. This alone will take at least four years for these new-breed educators to start coming out of college preparation programs, he said.
Pelowski. A Winona Democrat and former teacher. Chair of the Higher Education Finance and Policy Committee in the Minnesota House.