Advocates of vocational and technical training are worried that non-academic classes will be left behind now that the Napa Valley Unified School District is placing a higher priority on college preparatory classes.

M.L. Oxford, director of the Regional Occupational Program of Napa County, said she is particularly worried about the wording of the district resolution to go on an all college prep track. Oxford said the document seems to make high school education all about college.

"I support the practice of raising the bar for our students, but my concern is that it's probably going to leave out some students," said Oxford.

ROP allows high school students to explore vocational career paths, paths that often lead to jobs in the trades or traditional industries that do not require college degrees.

The resolution affects ROP classes, as it calls for increased rigor in career and technical education.

The ROP program has several courses that are college prep. These courses, such as architectural design and digital media, have been approved by the UC system. While they are college prep, students still get the ROP aspect of the course, including information on how to get into the field and what students can expect in the profession.

Business praise, concern

Some businesses that partner with the ROP program have expressed praise for the resolution, while others have reservations. Jesse Dewyer, vice president of Dewyer Contracting Inc., is concerned with the pressure students might have with the increased academic workload.

"I think (too much focus on academic) would be a negative, they'd have too much pressure and they wouldn't participate in (ROP classes) anymore," said Dewyer, who is an advisor for ROP. "ROP exposes them to many trades, then they can get an idea of where they excel and it'll allow them to hone their skills and know whether to go through a contractor or apprentice school."

Lee Williams, of Williams Automotive on Soscol Avenue, said he is pleased with the decision the district has made. He said that often he has teach new employees who are fresh out of high school the basics and it takes away from valuable time.

"Kids in school don't even know what volts are. ... They have no idea about what you're talking about and you have to teach them," said Williams, who sits on the ROP advisory board. "I support higher math education, math is really needed in the automotive field."

Added Oxford, "It's really important for students to have these opportunities to try different areas to investigate careers, and that helps them make choices about college."

Support for

vocational courses

While high school administrators overwhelmingly support for the resolution to go college prep, they also say they value vocational education.

High school principals are considering adding more class periods during the day to allow for both vocational and elective classes.

"We love having (ROP classes) here," said Vintage High Principal Eric Schneider. "They are very well attended and I do believe that a seven-period day will help vocational classes."

Administrators also say requiring college prep courses helps even those students who wish to go into vocations, stating today's competitive world calls for higher standards in every field of work.

"Even stepping into the trades, they still need to have solid academic skills," said Napa High Principal Barbara Franco.

"Research has shown that when students are provided opportunities to participate in rigorous programs ... with the necessary learning supports ... they will be more successful over time," said Elena Toscano, assistant superintendent of instructional support services.

Toscano also noted that for the first time, the state has just released standards for comprehensive Career Tech Education, and they call for increased rigor.