AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Industry leaders are praising a high-profile bill in the Texas Senate designed to give high school students more options in career and vocational training.
Addressing the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday, representatives from numerous firms and trade organizations told of not being able to fill high-paying jobs that require more technical skills than college smarts.
They applauded a measure by committee chairman Dan Patrick seeking to better emphasize "workforce development." It would allow students more flexibility to choose what high school courses they take.
Students could study a vocational plan featuring electives in business and industry, or one built around science and technology. A third option would stress arts and humanities.
Patrick says Texas schools will still promote college-readiness but that not all students need a university degree to succeed.
