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U.S. Department of Education Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education To Visit Dearborn's Early College Program

The Dearborn Public Schools is pleased to host, from the U. S. Department of Education, Dr. Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education, as she takes part in two very important conversations with business leaders and educators on March 10, 2011, at the Michael Berry Career Center, 22586 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights.

Dr. Dann-Messier will also get a first hand look at the successful Early College Program, a partnership between the Dearborn Public Schools, Henry Ford Community College, and Henry Ford Health Systems. Part of her visit will include a tour of classrooms at the Career Center and at Henry Ford Hospital.

Students enrolled in the five year Early College program are exposed to a focused curriculum that meets all requirements of high school graduation as well as all Henry Ford Community College Associate Degree requirements. The students also have varied opportunities to participate in clinical experiences at Henry Ford Health System. As they progress through the five year program, students will concentrate their coursework toward being certified in one of several health-related fields including Respiratory Therapist, Surgical Technologist, Physical Therapist Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, and many others.

The morning conversation will start at 9 a.m. and provide business leaders with an opportunity to share their perspective on a variety of topics including how partnerships between educators and outside organizations can be enhanced, what changes can be made to remove barriers to meet the needs of the future workplace, and how should educators measure the successful preparation of students for the workforce.

The afternoon session, beginning at 2:30 p.m., will discuss college and career readiness. Invited guests will examine how state and local programs can better prepare students for college (without the need for remediation) and careers, what partnerships have formed to implement programs of study, and what supports are needed to continue and expand relationships between business and education.

The U. S. Department of Education will consider the feedback received at these sessions as part of its overall strategy for improving career and technical education, as well as preparing for reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education (Perkins) Act. Members of the media are invited to cover either or both sessions.

Dr. Dann-Messier was nominated by President Obama as Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education on July 14, 2009. On October 5, 2009, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate and began her official duties on October 13, 2009.