September 1997 Career- and Community-Based Program Turns 25
By Mike Lucas
Decades before "school-to-work" became education buzzwords for the '90s, the Tigard-Tualatin School District forged a partnership with local businesses—and connected the classroom to the working world.
The program is known as Community Experiences for Career Education, or (CE)2. It's one of the oldest experience-based peer education programs in the country. Participants recently celebrated the 25th anniversary since (CE)2 was begun as a pilot project under the guidance of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory.
(CE)2 is the sole survivor of four such programs funded by the federal government in 1972. "The Tigard-Tualatin district chose to get involved in this type of program very early," said Gary McGrath, a (CE)2 teacher at Tualatin High School who is serving as interim director.
(CE)2 students at Tigard and Tualatin high schools earn elective credit through supervised work experience at more than 100 job sites in Beaverton, Lake Oswego, Sherwood, Tigard, Tualatin, and Portland. "It's a group effort," said Sue McGee, (CE)2 director at Tigard High School. "If the businesses weren't there, we couldn't function.
Students spend four days a week at a job site and one day at school to work on their academic requirements, McGrath says. Last year, 42 students from Tualatin and 70 students from Tigard high schools participated in the program. Students must be at least 16 to participate, but there are no grade point average requirements, and the program is open to all—from students struggling to stay in school to those in talented and gifted programs. "Everybody comes into (CE)2 for a different reason," McGee said.
Brian Baron, 18 and a senior at Tigard High School last year, says he benefited from the hands-on nature of learning. Baron worked with a towing service and a student-run computer service company operated at Tigard High School.
He joined the (CE)2 program to catch up on his school credits. "I didn't function well in a regular classroom," he said. "I needed a more personalized education."
The experience helped prepare Baron for the world of work that awaits him. "I've got more of an understanding now of what people expect in the job field," he said.
Mike Lucas is a reporter with the Tigard Times, where a version of this article was first published.
| Next Article | Contents | NW Report Index |
This document's URL is:
Home | Up & Coming | Programs & Projects: NW Report | People | Products & Publications | Topics
© 2001 Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory
Date of Last Update: 9/28/01
Email Webmaster
Tel. 503.275.9500
