The Nebraska’s Pathways to Prosperity Symposium held
September 5th in Lincoln, NE, offered a unique and vital opportunity for the world
of education and the world of business to join together and talk about the
future of Nebraska’s work force.
The Pathways to Prosperity Project conducted by Harvard
Graduate School of Education (February 2011) brings to light the need for
career training at many educational levels. It has always been the focus of
education to prepare students for meaningful careers. Yet a one-size fits-all
approach works for many but not all.
Adopting a college readiness program is an important and
vital element in Nebraska’s educational settings. The misconception for many,
however, is the definition of college.
As school counselors, we strive to prepare each student for
education beyond high school. It is imperative that we do so. Preparing every
student to be ready to pursue something
beyond high school is not only wise, it is a necessity. P2P report sites the
Center on Education as projecting that by 2018, nearly two-thirds of some 47
million job openings will require that workers have at least some
post-secondary education. The key to this is what counselors already know and
already teach….that education beyond high school can take on many forms.
Most think of education beyond high school as an associate
or bachelor’s degree. Although those are viable options for many; the 2 and 4-year
degrees are not the only options. Many need to realize that apprenticeships,
on-the-job training, military training, and training certificates are viable,
profitable, and necessary post-secondary options.
The technically skilled employees not only are important to
the future of the Nebraska workforce, they also are leading wage earners.
Twenty-seven percent of employees with training certificates and 31% of
employees with associate degrees earn more than the average bachelor degree
employee.
In order to prepare this skilled work force, a partnership
needs to be forged. The business community needs to become teachers. Current
educators and administrators are trained in educating not in the current
business practices. If a partnership could be forged where educators could see
the real world applications of their subject matter in businesses, the lessons
they bring to students can have real-life connections. Professional development
not only should be on great teaching practices, it could also involve educators
seeing what they are preparing their students for.
In order to prepare this skilled work force, schools need to
reinvent education for many. The traditional classroom needs to be remodeled.
Too often, seniors struggle to fill their class schedule. Why not lower the
school walls and let these students receive certification in job skills; why
not let more job-shadowing or internship opportunities; why not let students
pursue classes in a post-secondary setting. Transforming the classroom so it is
more relevant for students makes sense for the students and for the future of
Nebraska. School counselors are ready to lead this shift.
The Nebraska Career Ready Practices coupled with the ASCA standards, partnerships between
academia and the business community, and a transformation of traditional
education are all great starting points. Where these points intersect will be
the true turning point for Nebraska students.
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