Brindisi, in Effort to Keep Push to Overhaul State Board of Regents on Track, Urges Dept. of Education to Adopt ‘21st Century’ High School Diploma Standard – Assemblyman Unveils Key Educators Who Back His Proposal While Launching New Initiative

September 9, 2013

(Utica, NY) - Today, standing at the Oneida, Madison and Herkimer County BOCES, New York State Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi stepped up his push to overhaul a diploma standard within the New York State Board of Regents and Department of Education. Brindisi was joined by an unprecedented gathering of superintendents, college officials, labor officials and students when he unveiled key members of the educational community who publicly support his overhaul plan.

Brindisi also launched a new advocacy campaign today called, “21st Century Education Initiative.” Brindisi aims to take this advocacy initiative on the road, working with businesses and the community. Additionally, Brindisi has plans to take this push across the state, partnering with stakeholders like U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, who agree with Brindisi on the offering of a career and technical diploma option for high school students.

The Assemblyman’s effort, which would create a specialized technical education called a Career and Technical Education (CTE) diploma, charts a new pathway to high school graduation. This new pathway would lead students, many genuinely interested in manufacturing and technical careers to walk the stage and graduate – decreasing overall dropout rates. Brindisi says dropout rates can change, for the better, if New York State steps up to the plate.

Brindisi says a CTE diploma would not only boost graduation rates at regional schools, but that it would teach the skills students need to attain regional manufacturing jobs in vocations like: welding, machining, plumbing and electrical work. Above all, Brindisi wants high school students to graduate. For those looking to enter the workforce from there, a vocation they have chosen is often an elusive dream. This plan would propel continued apprenticeships that began in high school or allow a student to go on to college to attain additional educational opportunities. Regardless, Brindisi says a CTE option will put more diplomas in the hands of New York State students and close the very real gap between vacant positions and worker skills. Brindisi says there are open positions in the Mohawk Valley currently unfilled because the workforce doesn’t possess the exact skills necessary to fill these jobs, many in high-tech manufacturing, machining or computing.

As proposed, Brindisi’s push for a CTE would ensure high school students take the classes they are currently enrolled in. However, they would have the option to replace some electives or analogous classes. Many of these types of classes are offered through BOCES programs already in place.

Brindisi also announced that members of The Genesis Group, along with area public school educators signed on to a statement of support for his request to the New York State Board of Regents. The signed statements urge the state to develop the CTE high school diploma in hopes of preparing students for the 21st century and beyond. Brindisi says other businesses are lined up to also sign on, as he works with them on filling vacant jobs.

“One of the first things we learn in school is our ABCs. So, it makes sense to tie my plan to those three letters. Through advocacy, business outreach and community engagement with our schools and students, I will push New York State to pass this proposal with flying colors and usher in a new educational era that puts more diplomas in the hands of more students,” Brindisi said.

“The Genesis Group Education Committee, which includes representatives from the K-12 sector and all of the area’s colleges, strongly supports Assemblyman Brindisi’s call for a technical career pathway for our secondary school students,” said the organization’s Executive Director, Raymond J. Durso, Jr. “Our Education Committee works with area businesses, agencies, and school districts to help guide students to career opportunities, and this plan not only will provide students with the tools for a good career, but it also will help businesses that need to hire capable employees.”

“Career and technical education programs are a vital part of insuring the future success of all of our children,” said Utica City School District Superintendent Bruce J. Karam. “Our school district has been a staunch advocate for expanding vocational and technical programs throughout the years, because they provide an important avenue for many of our students to successfully compete in today’s economy. Career and technical programs also provide a very important pathway for high school students to earn their diploma, enter the workforce, and make significant contributions in the workplace.”

“I would like to thank Assemblyman Brindisi for his strong advocacy and support regarding Career and Technical Education,” said Oneida-Herkimer-Madison BOCES Superintendent Howard D. Mettelman. “He truly understands what it means to be college and career ready.”

“Assemblyman Brindisi’s proposal advances an important solution to helping the State of New York become more competitive by strengthening the alignment between education and the workforce of the future,” said Mohawk Valley Community College President Dr. Randall VanWagoner.

Brindisi wrote to members of the Board of Regents to outline the need for a specialized technical diploma in New York’s public high schools.

Brindisi’s letter to New York State’s DOE and Board of Regents appears below.

September 9, 2013

Dear Commissioner King and Chancellor Tisch:

I write to update you on a proposal I am advocating for to develop a high school diploma in technical education in New York State. I last wrote to you in December, 2012 outlining my belief that the shortage of well-trained applicants in machining, welding, and other technical trades is becoming a crisis here in the Mohawk Valley region of New York.

Today, members of the Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region as well as area school district superintendents; area college officials; and business leaders joined me at a news conference to announce their support for my request asking your departments to strengthen technical education programs in our public schools.

The CTE diploma pathway for students now has the support of several key stakeholders across my district. Moreover, as I meet with various groups throughout the community, I continue to hear from manufacturers about the shortage of well-trained applicants to fill existing vacancies at companies. One such business owner told me he could hire an additional 10 employees if they could find skilled labor.

As you likely agree, today’s manufacturing jobs often require special skill sets, and can offer above average salaries and benefits. That’s why it’s time to embrace manufacturing jobs as long term career choice.

Again, I respectfully request your departments continue a discussion on this issue and adopt courses and programs in technical and skilled trades for New York’s public school students. This plan offers great potential to help our state’s economy.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your attention as it relates to this very important matter.

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