The Examiner – Mike Genet
” To help fill what business leaders see as a growing availability and need of STEM jobs now and in the near future, local school districts have altered or expanded their curricula for science, technology, engineering and mathematics offerings in recent years. The Independence School District has put together specific academies available to students in each of its three high schools – computer science and industrial technology this year, along with a freshman academy that can help interested students choose a possible pathway in their high school education. Next year, there will be business, health and public services and arts and education academies. Brad McLaughlin, an ISD assistant superintendent, said the academies originated from what the district found to be disconnect between the college or career readiness of many graduates and what the workforce was seeking.”(more)