Gov. Mark R. Warner has been slowly but steadily talking up his "Education of a Lifetime" initiative, a policy system emphasizing lifelong learning that he claims will revitalize the Commonwealth's economic future by resculpting the state's educational landscape. Warner is expected to unveil the fully fleshed out plan by mid-September.
"I want us to fundamentally change the way we think about education. I believe that we need to view education not as a series of disconnected phases of life, but as a continuous process that is the birthright of every Virginian," Warner said in a June 23 speech to the Virginia Association of Secondary School Principals.
Virginia's school systems are long overdue for an overhaul, Warner said. "When you think about it, our system of high school education has not changed in 100 years," he said."We are looking at a major effort to reform high schools, particularly in the senior year."
Under the "Senior Year Plus" plan, college-bound students would be encouraged to earn college credits in order to reduce the amount of time and money spent on higher education.
"We intend to dramatically increase opportunities for students to earn college or technical credit while in high school, particularly in that senior year," Warner said, adding that shifting to a policy that favors technical education in lieu of a traditional college experience for some students will lighten the tuition load burdening many Virginians with college-age children.
Some critics, however, say that a policy which allows incoming college students to substitute high school work for university courses may be ill-advised, especially given the variable quality and content of such classes.
"I think this is an interesting concept but it might not be applicable to all universities because of the academic rigor of their curriculums," University Spokesperson Carol Wood said.
Warner's plan also encourages some Virginian's to pursue technological rather than academic futures. To do so, Warner said, Virginians must reduce the stigma attached to choosing to pursue a trade.
"We need a system in Virginia that puts as much value on a plumber or an electrician as it does on a doctor or a lawyer," Warner said.
Corporate participation in education can be a critical help in achieving this goal, he said.
To this end, the state has enlisted more than 160 businesses to serve in mentor capacities in individual school districts where students may be more interested in gaining technological expertise than in pursuing a traditional university education.
Beyond corporate participation, however, Warner said he envisions a statewide effort to refashion Virginia's educational system.
For Warner, taking steps now to improve the Commonwealth's educational system will dictate the course of the state's future.
This is "our opportunity for Virginia to make these kinds of long-term investments that will pay dividends for years to come," Warner said.
Read More
Students have federal internship offers rescinded due to hiring freeze
By Nina Broderick | 1 hours agoUntil July 15, no presently vacant federal civilian positions may be filled, and no new positions may be created.
Man dies from self-inflicted gunshot wounds at the Rotunda
By Ford McCracken | 6 hours agoThe investigation is ongoing, and additional details are not available at this time.
Virginia primary elections feature contested race for Democratic Lt. Gov. candidate
By Nicolas Biernacki | 21 hours agoEligible voters can find more information about early voting by consulting the City Department of Voter Registration & Elections website or the County Department of Elections website.
