Wisconsin is making a big move towards changing how students learn.  Students in La Crosse got a unique chance to show off their skills. For decades  State Superintendents have focused on just tests and boring classes.  But this time is different. This time it was all about hands-on learning.

Dr. Jill Underly, took a trip to Western Technical College and La Crosse Central High School. The reason wasn't just a usual school tour.

It's about a recent $60 million budget request.  It's for one simple reason. Rounded education is lacking. Students need engaging ways to learn. This goes past just classes.  Schools should give students a head start in a job. Think about it.

   It's about more than just books, it's about finding out what you love.  Sometimes that discovery happens in a traditional classroom, and sometimes it's when you use a hobby or interest in a classroom.

   Learning by doing!  It sounds simple but is a game changer for students.  It's a chance to explore new options, to try out different things and find out what your are  good at. Even to see if you hate certain careers or careers you thought you hated.

   In La Crosse, students can explore many fields, like technology, marketing and consumer sciences.

There is a huge push for youth apprenticeships and job shadows.

This is something that is huge, instead of just learning about job skills, works involve local employers.

This gets students interested in industry, and learning in a hands on way.

They don't just learn about it, they do it.  This is a fast track to being invested in a career.

Knowletyng that you are learning something with purpose is huge.

The journey doesn't stop at school; students also get a chance to connect with local employers. They plan to do it in La Crosse, and in other parts of Wisconsin.

This promises  that students will be ready to work right out of high school, and that's a big deal.  It is a win-win situation.

There are not enough funds across the country for career and tech Ed.   How do you think could this matter to your life?

Learning by Doing: A New Approach to Education.

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