Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools are among the first in the nation to test a new, workforce-oriented technology course, one teachers say is raising the standard for high school computer applications classes.
The program, called Microsoft IT Academy, certifies students who achieve proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
In 2010-11, North Carolina became the first state in the nation to try the curriculum, and in late February, three Carrboro High School students became the first in the district to achieve the certification. The program is expected to reach nearly 200,000 high school students across the state during the next three years.
Though the classes are difficult, teachers say the skills and certification will help students succeed in college and the workforce.
Leslie Cole, who teaches the Microsoft class at Carrboro High School, said the standards for the Microsoft IT Academy are higher than the standards in her previous computer applications classes.
“The certification process is very rigorous,” she said.
Cole said the class teaches students with basic computer skills more in-depth word processing features — like making professional-looking documents with complicated graphics and tables.
Sandra Murphy, the career development coordinator at Chapel Hill High School, said those skills can help prepare students for their futures.
“In the course of planning for their career, students have to consider the technology people need,” she said.
