Administration to change Driver’s Ed program

By Catherine Lemel

Breaking through the wall of old teaching tactics, Transylvania County Schools is revamping its drivers-education program. The school system is working with a company from the inside out to completely transform the class from an outdated program to one which students can relate. They are doing this by slowly changing the method by which the information is being delivered and creating a closer environment in which students can learn.

 Alan Justice, Director of Transportation and of Safe Schools and Sports, graduated from the Transylvania County School system and has taught the drivers education program for ten years. Justice said that the program decided to go private mainly because of funding. The school was spending too much money per student than what was readily available. However, a company came along that was willing to provide the same services as the old program but for a lower cost and with newer technology that would help the quality of the program.

“The classroom portion is boring, and as a teacher, I am just as bored as the students,” said Justice. “The program has not changed since I was going through it and that might be its biggest flaw.” He said that the program produced some great drivers when he was in high school, but in order to capture the attention of students today, Justice said that getting kids more engaged is one of the main priorities of the company. The company is funding teachers to go to conferences and learn about new ways of teaching and investing in real life tools and simulators that teach about all the distractions and dangers on the road. “I want kids to realize that they are not indestructible. They need to know that with their newfound freedom comes responsibility,” said Justice. He also said that the new company is looking to create smaller classes that are more engaging and available to all students. Justice said that right now the times of the classes are inconvenient for some because of after school sports and activities, but there will be more classes coming soon. He said that the short term efficiency is down but when it comes to the long term effects of the program, it will equal out. Justice also said that now that the system has switched to this new company, the upfront cost that students pay to drive has also gone down.

Previously, students had to pay $45 to log necessary time behind the wheel with a driving instructor, but it decreased to only $20. The company is working on there being no fee at all for driving. Until then, Justice said that the program will not deny kids a chance to get their permits just because of funding issues.

These improvements combined are helping to create a program of better quality and newer ideas. John Hart, vice principal of Brevard High School, said that time and education are the best defense when it comes to being out on the road.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Skip to toolbar