STEFAN CZAPOROWSKI
A vocational technical school must be able to change and adapt according to the needs of its community and the transforming workplace. Westfield Vocational Technical High School would not be able to accomplish this important goal without the input of our advisory committees. This month I would like to recognize this very important component of Career Vocational Technical Education (CVTE). When we reach out to leaders in business, industry, labor, post-secondary institutions, and to parents and students, and ask them to work with us as advisers to improve our curriculum and facilities, they are more than willing to assist. Input from local businesses and community members is vital to keeping our twelve state approved programs strong and our students employable. WVTHS is very grateful for the teamwork that exists between our school and the community of Westfield.
Each of our Career Vocational Technical Education programs have an advisory committee that advises and supports school personnel in order to improve planning, operation and evaluation in each career and technical area. Our program advisory members provide our instructors with timely information relating to workforce and job development demands, technological developments, training alternatives and other factors affecting the quality of the program. They also review curriculum and data, recommend new or updated equipment, donate materials, equipment and services, assist in the development of new articulations, apprenticeships, and new program approval process, and arrange for guest speaking opportunities and field trips.
In addition to each of our program advisory board members, each program also has a chairperson that makes up the WVTHS General Advisory Committee. It is the responsibility of the General Advisory Committee to advise the school committee by participating in the planning, operation and evaluation of career vocational technical instruction. In the City of Westfield, a joint school committee and general advisory meeting is held annually specifically for this purpose. This year, the meeting will be held on January 27 at 6:00 p.m. and will begin in Tiger’s Pride, the school restaurant at WVTHS. After a brief “State of the School” address by the principal and general advisory chairperson, the school committee will tour each of the shops and hears about program needs and job trends. This direct contact between school committee and program advisory members is truly unique in our district. In fact, in a recent audit by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the Westfield Public Schools received accolades for this practice.
Currently, we are seeking new members for our program advisory boards. By participating on one of these committees, you will have an opportunity to guide the Westfield School Committee in preparing students for employment in one of our CVTE programs. Each Program Advisory Committee meets several times each school year, and the meetings are usually held at WVTHS. Please contact Mr. John York, Director of Vocational Technical Education, for more information at 413-572-6533 extension 60161 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Stefan Czaporowski
Principal
Westfield Vocational Technical High School
