NYC Schools Need Business Pros to Review Curricula ... Now

The New York City Department of Education is trying to check out its career and technical education programs against current industry practices. Are they relevant? Up-to-date? Effective? Clueful?

It's important work. Reviewers read schools' applications containing narrative descriptions of programs of study and participate in site visits to schools to observe the programs in action.

We need folks from real life to make sure the kids are getting what they need. Do one school. Do many schools. But get involved. Review the paperwork in May and June; visit the school in the Fall.

The hot programs that need reviewing by the end of June are:

• Medical Laboratory and Assisting Program in Biotechnology
• Academy of Hospitality & Tourism
• Commercial Photography
• Construction Technology, Carpentry, Plumbing
• Culinary Arts
• Graphics & Illustration
• Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning
• Nursing Assistant
• Practical Nursing
• Transit Technician
• Vision Technology

... but there are hundreds of programs that could use a thorough review by people with experience in business and industry. If you work in these fields -- or know somebody who does who's amenable -- get an email to the fabulous Reina Utsunomiya at the New York City Department of Education: RUtsunomiya@schools.nyc.gov. (If you need convincing or stroking, contact me: JPowers@IN3.ORG, 718-499-1884.)

Here's your chance to quit Twittering and do some good, face-to-face. You'll be surprised by how many smart, dedicated teachers are doing truly great things to get kids ready for the world. And they really need your help.

(For some examples about the ways industry gets involved with education, see our Graphics Industry Advisory sites at GTexchange.org)