I agree with you Andrew.
I was slightly incorrect in my initial post; the course name is currently “Communications Technology” and is changing to “TV Broadcasting Technology”.
Our district is unique because we have 4 high schools and a district TV studio that broadcasts our news, psa’s, and live events via Comcast and Verizon. We also have a mobile production truck that travels to each school for sports broadcasting and other events. We produce a daily live news broadcast and a weekly “SNL style” variety show, that airs with live hosts and produced segments. This gets recorded and transferred to our website/youtube and we have 12 seasons archived on our site. Search “high school television” and you’ll find us.
I think the software needs to prepare the student for any NLE and should prepare students for college. We prepare them with skills and TONS of experience (more than I received in college) on a variety of gear and they leave with an impressive portfolio.
The AVID argument is valid, I’m not sure on cost. If we can get both FCPX and Adobe Production Suite licenses for the same cost, then I think that might be the best way to go because we can get experience on 2 NLEs.