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Education Dive
Report identifies strategies for scaling work-based learning
Shawna De La Rosa
Feb. 27, 2020
Dive Brief:
A new report from the National Governor’s Association Center for Best
Practices (NGA Center) aims to narrow the gap between what employers
need and the type of skills employees entering the workforce possess,
identifying core elements of system changes governors can use to embed
work-based learning in K-12.
The lessons were collected as NGA worked with 19 states and territories
for four years to build opportunities for youth to access work-based
learning experiences. The report recommends specific action items such
as aligning work-based learning goals with governors’ education and
workforce priorities.
The elements include how to create and communicate a vision, methods to
measure the data, and ways to cultivate resources and policy changes.
Despite a low unemployment rate, many new workers are unable to secure
stable employment due to lack of skills.
Dive Insight:
Funding is a major hurdle for districts looking to connect students to
relevant workforce training. Often, funds are allocated through
legislation. For example, 41 states took action to spend more on
work-based learning, dual enrollment and early college programs.
Vermont, Virginia and Illinois were among the 35 states that passed
legislation to connect students and businesses through programs like
apprenticeships.
Some districts are adding high-tech training in vocational classes to
teach auto shop students about electric and self-driving cars. Funding
for these tools can be secured through grants or fund-raising. In
Texas, Mesquite Independent School District builds and auctions cars
and performs maintenance on teacher-owned cars. Money earned goes back
into the program.
Though more high-achieving students are seeking CTE courses in computer
programming and coding, experts urge districts to continue offering
traditional vocational classes like construction, as the need for
skilled employees in these fields continue to grow. Wood shop,
cosmetology and video production are other CTE options that can help
students develop critical-thinking skills useful in a variety of
professions.
The U.S. Department of Education provides about $1.3 billion per year
for CTE courses for elementary, secondary and adult education. Pathways
to STEM Apprenticeship program gave $3 million to six states to help
CTE students develop post-secondary education and connect them to STEM
careers.
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