SCHOOL-TO-WORK: OWNER'S GUIDE

Many of the young people leaving America's high schools are not equipped with the skills they need to perform the jobs our modern, competitive economy is creating. Too often they flounder in the labor market, wasting a decade or more in intermittent, low-paying jobs.

When this happens, everyone loses. Young workers become discouraged because their paychecks and progress fall short of their hopes and expectations. Employers become frustrated because they can't find workers who are adequately prepared for today's more demanding jobs. And in the end the nation becomes weakened, because productivity lags and hampers our ability to compete in world markets.

School-to-Work attacks these problems head-on. It creates well-marked paths students can follow to move from school to good first jobs or from school to continued education and training. School-to-Work combines quality academic classes at school with hands-on learning and training in the workplace. It builds partnerships between schools and employers and leaves room for local control of local needs.

 

The School-to-Work initiative is not another top-down federal program. It is an invitation to all sectors of the community to work together in new ways to meet shared and individual needs. These local and state partnerships will drive the planning, implementation and operation of School-to-Work systems.

At all levels consortia, such as the Upper Rio Grande Tech-Prep School-to-Careers Consortium, are forming to structure day-to-day working relationships, apply for federal grants and reach out to all who should be involved. At the federal level, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor are working together in that same spirit of partnership. The departments are administering the initiative with an unprecedented degree of shared decision-making and joint team activities.

 

Students:	Can choose from a wider range of occupations and educational opportunities. Have more opportunities for good jobs after graduation. Obtain actual work experience while going to school. Develop potential contacts that may broaden employment options. Boost self-confidence and experience success at school and work. Get personal assistance in attaining education and career goals.
Employers:	Gain access to an expanded pool of qualified applicants. Influence curriculum development to meet industry requirements. Evaluate potential employees in work settings prior to hiring. Improve the quality of life in the community.
Educators:	Increase college placement and employment rates of graduates. Participate in improved opportunities for professional development from recruitment to retirement. Integrate academic instruction with actual work and life experiences. Reduce dropout rates, improve attendance and increase enrollment. Come to better understand real-world applications of academic knowledge.
Government and Community-Based Groups:	Participate in the development of a skilled workforce. Enhance the employability of all youth. Stimulate local economic growth through an expanded skilled workforce and taxpayer base.

Every School-to-Work Opportunities system must contain three core elements known as School-Based Learning, Work-Based Learning and Connecting Activities. School-Based Learning is classroom instruction based on high academic and occupational skill standards. Work-Based Learning is work experience, structured training and mentoring at job sites. And last, Connecting Activities develop courses that integrate classroom and on-the job instruction, match students with participating employers. train job-site mentors and build and maintain bridges between school and work.

 

When they enter a School-to-Work system, America's students will see a bright light at the end of the tunnel. Graduates will receive a high school diploma or its equivalent in addition to a recognized skills certificate. Some will receive a certificate or diploma recognizing successful completion of one or two years of postsecondary education. Others will enter a registered apprenticeship program or enroll in a college or university. With these credentials and skills, a young person can expect not only to compete for a job in his or her field. but prosper as well.

 

Communities that build successful School-to-Work systems often find that the best way to begin is to identify and study a successful model. Information on some promising models is available from the federal regional office nearest you. In the meantime, here are some ideas to help you get started.

If You Are An Employer:

Form a partnership between educators and other interested employers to plan and start a School-to-Work system in your community. Help schools develop courses that will prepare students for good jobs that are, or will be, available in the area. Provide work experience for School-to-Work students that reinforces and expands on what they are learning in the classroom. Hire qualified graduates of School-to-Work programs.

If You Are an Educator:

Bring colleagues together with employers, unions, parents and others to plan and implement a School-to-Work system. Learn about, and experiment with, curricula that are compatible with School-to-Work Opportunities. Request "how to" manuals from proven model programs. Help students become aware of the range of career options they can pursue through School-to-Work. Invest in professional development so teachers, counselors and administrators will be prepared to be partners in reforming the education system. Recognize the importance of counselors in building successful School-to-Work systems.

If You Are A Parent:

Let educators, civic organizations and others know of your interest in bringing School-to-Work to your community. Volunteer to help build the system and keep it going. Urge your employer to provide work experience for School-to-Work students and volunteer to be their mentor or supervisor. Help your child understand the relationship between learning and earning. And teach that performance counts, both in school and on the job. Encourage local schools and employers to require and reward achievement.

If You Are A Student:

Tell your teachers and school administrators you are interested in School-to-Work. Talk to your friends about how School-to-Work could help them start on the road to a good job. Ask your parents to show support for a School-to-Work system in your community. Join or form a career club that supports your occupational interest and can become an advocate for School-to-Work. Aim high and make a commitment to a life of learning.

If You Are A Member Of A Labor Organization:

Collaborate with state and local officials, employers and schools to design a local School-to-Work system. Mobilize your local union training committee to offer high-quality training and meaningful work experience to students in School-to-Work. Become a mentor in the workplace. Provide information on different types of jobs available in your community. Educate your organization about School-to-Work through the local education officer of your union.

If You Are A Member Of A Community-Based Organization:

Collaborate with state and local officials, employers and schools to design a local School-to-Work system that reaches all types of youth, including drop-outs. Work with educators and employers to ensure opportunities for young women to participate in School-to-Work. Work with employers and schools to provide opportunities for students from high-poverty areas or low-income families who might have low achievement levels or limited English proficiency. Serve as a broker between local employers, schools and parents to help establish working partnerships. Mobilize support for students most at risk of failure or dropping out.