As a school district we're often asked why we no longer offer vocational courses for our school students. Our enthusiastic response is always the same, "We do!" The implementation of accountability tests such as the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments over the past several years has put an emphasis on math, reading, and science. Although those subjects are important, so are the vocational courses. This article will be focused on the vocational offerings we provide here at New London-Spicer.
The New London-Spicer School District provides the following course offerings for our students which provide exposure to life-long skills.
Agribusiness Education
Wildlife/Natural Resources
Vet Science
Exploring Agriculture
Landscaping
Welding I
Welding II
Mechanical Physics
Agriculture Structures (Yearly construction of a house)
Advanced Metals
Agriculture Coop (Real-life work experiences with local businesses)
Leadership in Future Farmers of America (FFA)
Animal Science
Plant Science
Business Education
Personal Finance Management
Accounting
Computer Science
Desktop Publishing
Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS - Formerly Known as Home Economics)
FACS for Life
Child Development and Parenting
Culinary Arts I
Culinary Arts II
Housing and Interior Design
Industrial Technology (Formerly Known as Shop Class)
Industrial Technology
Woodworking I
Woodworking II/III
Introduction to Robotics
Robotics
As you can see, the New London-Spicer offers a variety of vocational course for our students. Some of the courses offered count as concurrent enrollment courses. In those cases, students remain here in our school district and simultaneously earn high school and college credits. Those opportunities are mutually beneficial to both our school district and students.
Our school district offers the traditional courses in mathematics, language arts, sciences, physical education, social studies, art, music, and band as well. In all, we are extremely proud of the variety of offerings that we have for our students and the well-rounded education we are able to provide. With our district's current financial situation, we are hopeful we are able to continue to provide these course offerings and opportunities for our students.
