32
Chapter 2 Understanding Work-Based Learning
Case
New Outlook for Tony
At 7:30 on a February morning in northern
Texas, it’s very cold! It seemed even colder to Tony
when his car didn’t start. The engine coughed
once, then twice, and finally started. Tony muttered
to himself, “Eleven more car payments to make,
and it needs a new battery.”
As Tony drove to school, he thought about quitting and looking for
a job. During his three years in high school, he experienced nothing but
discouragement. Freshman year was okay, but school had become a drag
since then.
Tony didn’t fail any of his classes, but he didn’t study much either.
Three reasons accounted for Tony’s lack of enthusiasm. First, he had no
goals for his future. His study habits were very poor. Finally, he had recently
burdened himself with monthly car payments.
Tony was considering dropping out of high school when a friend sug-
gested applying for the cooperative education program. The friend said,
“You go to school for half the day and work part-time. You get paid for your
work and school credit for the job.”
“Oh, I’ve heard about that,” Tony said. “But how do I get into the program?”
“See Mr. Lamas, the program coordinator. You had two courses in
auto mechanics and enjoy working on cars. Maybe you can get a job at an
auto repair shop. Then you won’t need to quit school.”
Tony met with Mr. Lamas and applied for the cooperative educa-
tion program. The day Tony was accepted, his outlook on life seemed to
change. All summer Tony looked forward to his senior year and his coop-
erative work experience.
During his senior year, Tony worked for an auto service center. He
learned how to tune car engines and repair brakes, transmissions, and
other car parts. He also learned something about running a business. It
was hard work, but Tony enjoyed it. Not only did Tony pay for his car and
learn new skills, but he also made the B honor roll in his last semester.
Critical Thinking
1. Why do you think Tony’s outlook on life changed when he was
accepted into the cooperative education program?
2. Why do you suppose Tony’s grades improved in his senior year?
3. How did the cooperative education experience benefit Tony?
4. What do you think would have happened to Tony if he had quit
high school?