[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 123 (Wednesday, August 24, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                   SOUTH DAKOTA VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the South 
Dakota Vocational Education Program's outstanding contribution to the 
economy and industry of South Dakota. With approximately 160 secondary 
and 4 post-secondary vocational educational institutions, South Dakota 
is in the forefront of school-to-work education.
  South Dakota's vocational technical schools help provide a skilled 
and competent labor force for business and industry in my State. They 
share the credit for achieving a job growth rate in South Dakota that 
ranks eighth in the Nation. This has helped maintain South Dakota's 
unemployment rate at a relatively low 2.9 percent.
  Cutting-edge technological education provided by South Dakota's 
vocational technical institutions helps attract new business to the 
State. Businesses know South Dakota can provide a work force capable of 
adjusting to the rapidly changing labor market.
  One such program in my State is known as Tech-Prep. Instituted in 
1990, it integrates the final 2 years of high school with 2 additional 
years at one of South Dakota's four technical institutes. Participants 
receive an associate degree upon completing the 4 years of training. 
Funding is provided by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied 
Technology Education Act, which I voted for in 1990. Currently over 90 
secondary school districts are participating in Tech-Prep. The four 
technical schools involved in the program are the Lake Area Technical 
Institute in Watertown, the Mitchell Technical Institute, the Southeast 
Technical Institute in Sioux Falls, and the Western Dakota Technical 
Institute in Rapid City. All four provide a link to the job market for 
students who do not wish to pursue a 4-year college degree, but want to 
learn a valuable skill. According to Betty Widman, current South Dakota 
Vocational Association president, only 20 percent of new jobs in the 
future may require a college degree, while 80 percent will need 
critical job skills. Preventing a potential labor shortage is a primary 
mission of the South Dakota Vocational Association.
  An emphasis on applied academics in vocational training provides 
young people with the level of education needed for the high-skilled 
high-wage jobs for the future. Applied academics refer to scientific 
and mathematical workplace training. Advanced theoretical studies are 
substituted for real world problem solving. This gives management a 
well-trained employee who can start immediately, with a minimal of 
costly on-the-job training.
  Along with this emphasis on Tech-Prep, South Dakota's vocational 
educational schools reach students in remote areas and small cities, 
especially those in agricultural communities. Let me explain.
  In the summer of 1993, South Dakota's Department of Education began 
using the Rural Development Telecommunications Network [RDTN]. Fourteen 
satellite sites allow students access to courses previously only 
available at a single site. Telecourses open up opportunities for many, 
while simultaneously cutting cost duplication.
  Students with disabilities are encouraged to participate 
in vocational education programs. Tutors, readers, note-takers, and 
others specialized in aiding disabled students are equipped in every 
way to make it possible for all to receive a good education. I commend 
South Dakota vocational educators for their efforts in affirmative 
outreach and recruitment efforts.

  The South Dakota vocational education system also is a leader in 
providing education and training to incarcerated individuals in the 
correctional system. Teaching prisoners skills that can provide options 
for employment upon their return to the community may reduce 
recidivism. Currently, special attention is given to young offenders--
those especially receptive to the opportunities this training offers. 
Indeed, vocational education offers opportunities to every segment of 
our population.
  In 1980, Karen Dvorak joined my staff and contributed significantly 
to my efforts for 15 years. She began her career in my Sioux Falls 
office and finished as my State director. Karen Dvorak graduated from 
the Mitchell Vocational Technical School in Mitchell, SD. She isn't the 
only recipient of a vocational education who has worked on my staff.
  In 1975, I hired a vocational education student as an intern. To my 
knowledge, this was the first such case on Capitol Hill. Tod Wells, an 
appliance-refrigeration student, worked for me in the House during my 
first term. He pointed out many of the funding problems previously 
faced by the vocational educational system before enactment of the Carl 
D. Perkins Act.
  Through its ability to adapt to the needs of the people of my State, 
the South Dakota vocational educational system plays a key role in the 
economic development of our State. Giving young people rewarding career 
options while simultaneously creating a highly skilled work force 
creates incentives for people and businesses to remain and expand in, 
and even to relocate to, our State. The South Dakota vocational 
education system is of infinite value to the people of South Dakota. I 
salute the efforts of all who work in the field.

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