It was not too long ago that career discussions in schools were virtually nonexistent. At that time, education felt there was little connection between classroom and the workplace. It was a very “us” and “them” attitude. Likewise, the workplace was not terribly concerned about partnerships with schools. It was not a hostile relationship. There just basically was no relationship.

As they say, “That was then and this is now.” Fast-forward to the 21st Century, and you can see a great interest in forming partnerships and joining hands. A good example of this is seen in the 21st Century Skills framework that was put together for schools by a number of leading companies led by the Bill Gates Foundation. Suddenly business is very interested in what students learn.

This interest originates from American industry’s need to succeed in an increasing competitive world trade environment. It also stems from the shortage of qualified workers.

Schools likewise are very attentive to what the work world needs. Their interest emerges from the desire to be responsive to community needs. Likewise, their desire to make instruction relevant and interesting to students drives the desire to find learning applications. They know also that if students apply what is learned to real life contexts, they will better understand and remember what is taught.

Schools and their communities also favor more career related instruction as it helps young people set goals early and set a direction for their futures. Many have seen too many students graduate from high school without a career plan in mind. Often time this results in wasted time, money and energy as young people suffer through numerous false starts before finding the path that leads to a job that is a good fit for their interests and talents.

Sad to say too many people never find this good job match because they put off finding a good career until it is too late. These adults find that family obligations can eliminate the flexibility they had as youths.

Due to these factors, a strong working relationship has developed between education and the workplace. Schools have taken deliberate steps to help students explore various career options. They also are helping students discover their areas of interest and talent. This then helps students tie their career knowledge with self-knowledge to make successful career choices.

Schools also help youth set goals that will ultimately lead to success in the career areas they wish to pursue. These goals include courses to take, grades necessary to succeed, and experiences to log in order to be prepared for their life’s work.

The Columbus Public Schools have taken this career preparation very seriously. As a result, careful career related teaching is conducted at CMS in all three grades. In sixth grade, students take a required career class that helps them explore career possibilities. In seventh grade, they have a required class in career applications. The seventh grade class allows students to experience what it is like to work in various career fields through electronic modules. At this level, they also are offered a class in practical work skills.

In eighth grade, more career exploration is offered. At this level, students are also given practical experiences in interviewing, writing resumes, going to career fairs, and completing a career related project.

This work is continued at CHS where each student creates a personal career plan and takes a required career class in tenth grade.

As you can see, the school system is taking very seriously the need to work together with their business partners to help students begin thinking about career options and prepare for the world of work. This new emphasis on real world tie-ins with the classroom is exciting. It is a good example of how schools are changing what they do to better meet the needs of students in the 21st Century.

For more information, contact the Web Master.