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St. Paul, Minn.

ARW documentary: 'Ready to Work: Reviving Vocational Ed'

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April Hanson, a student at Southeat Technical
April Hanson, a student at Southeat Technical in Winona, decided to go back to school after a layoff at her previous job.
Alex Kolyer for MPR News

Vocational education was once a staple of American schooling, preparing some kids for blue-collar futures while others were put on a path to college.

Today that kind of tracking smacks of classism.

"College for all" is the new mantra. But not everyone wants to go to college, and nearly half of jobs don't require a bachelor's degree.

Many experts say it's time to bring career and technical education back.

American RadioWorks explores how vocational education has changed and how it's reshaping debates about the purpose of school.