State Rep. West Proposal Would Highlight Student Participation in Job Shadowing, Vocational Training

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of an effort to highlight the need for students to receive real world training, state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford, has introduced a measure that would require the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) to include on school report cards whether the school offered vocational training opportunities, as well as the most current data on the percentage of students who participated in job shadowing and completed an internship.

“In order for someone to land a job and begin a career, they often need experience as an intern or trainee in their field,” West said. “It’s important that schools pursue opportunities that they can offer to students. By having additional information on a school’s annual report card, I believe parents will have more insight as to how their schools are preparing students.”

West’s House Bill 2822 would alter ISBE’s school report cards by requiring the agency to include the most current data on the percentage of students who participated in job shadowing and completed an internship, as well as whether the school provided vocational training opportunities. ISBE is currently required by state law to issue an annual report card that shows how each school, district and the state are performing on various educational goals.

“Real world experience is incredibly helpful for high schoolers as they look for a job or seek to pursue a college degree,” West said. “Additionally, it gives our students a chance to see whether or not certain jobs are the right fit for them moving forward. By keeping track of these opportunities, I’m hopeful that it will help prioritize and emphasis the need for schools to focus on helping students discover these options.”

For more information, please contact West’s constituent service office at 815-987-7433 or Press@StateRepWest.com.