Workforce development needs to be incorporated into K-12 education programs: Susan TaveZelman [Video]

COLUMBUS — Stephen D. Dackin, the director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, recently announced his recommended appointment of Jeremy B. Varner as deputy director of the Division of Career-Technical Education and Workforce. Varner will have oversight of a recent $300 million distribution to career and technical schools for program expansion.

However, he must also consider integrating workforce development certifications into our Pre-K to 12 curriculum.

In the past, schools known as vocational high schools, were looked upon as places for less academically capable students to develop trades. This is no longer the case. Given the high cost of a college education, our career and technical education programs have grown in popularity and complexity.

Susan Tave Zelman is a former Ohio superintendent of public instruction and author of the forthcoming book, “The Buying and Selling of American Education.”

Following a new measure in the state accountability system: College, …