Are+Vocational+Classes+Looked+Over+in+Schools+Today?

=Are Vocational Classes Looked Over in Schools Today?=

I. Description of Problem or Issue
The issue we looked into is the role of vocational classes in the classroom today. Specifically we looked at how widespread these classes are in a typical American classroom, why these classes are the first classes to go in budget cuts, and the benefits of having these classes in schools in general. Although these classes lead directly to jobs and it helps keeps kids in school these classes aren't looked upon as highly as "normal" classes. We think that the point of education is to help you make a living after school, and since these classes do that it makes no sense that they wouldn't be looked upon as highly. We are doing research to try to find out if it is worth having these classes in our schools.

II. Research Summary
Dave Delfino is researching how widespread vocational and eletive classes are. He will talk about peoples opinions on it while stating the facts we have on it. He will also talk about the negatives of eletives and how vocational programs are used in different countries. Brendan researched why are High School Electives being cut at such an alarming rate? What outside factors could be forcing these schools to close these programs? Ryan is researching the benefits of vocational classes. What impacts do they have on the kids who take them, the schools that offer them. Also what impacts does it have on community and country at large when they are offered.

Brenden Boucher is why these programs are being cut in the first place. Through my research I intend to show whyoutside stresses such as Federal Funding, No Child Left Behind and the general belief that these programs are not important are really hurting High School Elective Programs. My own personal beliefs are that these programs are necessary to become a well rounded student and adult.

II. Group Product Overview
In our project we will first go over how vocational are used in schools today in America and in other countries. We think they are underutilized in today's society because you can see a big difference in the number of schools that offer these programs to the ones that don't. Also a problem is that schools cut these programs during budget cuts. The benefits they give to kids are overlooked as schools keep a plethora of options for core classes but there are almost no options for vocational classes. So when you tie everything together it doesn't make sense that these classes are overlooked by so many schools.

III. //**Visual Representation**//
Vocational Classes []

IV. Research Questions and Reference Summaries

 * || **Research Question** || **Researcher** ||
 * 1. || How Widespread are Vocational Classes in Schools Today? || //Dave Delfino// ||
 * 2. || Why are High School Electives being cut at such an alarming rate? || //Brenden Boucher// ||
 * 3. || What are the Benefits of Vocational Classes || //Ryan Queenan// ||