What Is School to Work?
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 intregate classroom and on-the-job instruction, match students
with participation employers, train job-site mentors and build and maintain
bridges between school and work.
What it will mean for young
people?
When they enter a School To Work systems,
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 post
secondary 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 complete for a job in his
or her field, but prosper as well.
What you can do to make it
happen?
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 of the ideas to help you get started.
If You Are An Employer:
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Form a partnership between educators and other interested
employers to plan and start a School to Work system in your community.
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Help Schools develop courses that will prepare students
for good jobs that are, or will be, available in the area.
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Provide work experience for School To Work
students that reinforce and expands on what they are learning in the classroom.
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Hire qualified graduates of School To Work programs.
If You Are an Educator:
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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.
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Request "how to" manuals from proven model programs.
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Help students become aware of the range of career options they can pursue
through School To Work.
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Invest in professional development development so teachers, counselors
and administrators will be prepared to be partners in reforming the education
system.
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Recognize the importance of counselors in building successful School
To Work systems.
If You Are A Parent:
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Let educators, civic organizations and other know of your interest in bringing
School To Work to your community.
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Volunteer to help build the systems and keep going.
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Urge your employer to provide work experience for School To Work students
and volunteer to be their mentor supervisor.
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Help your child understand the relationship between learning and earning.
Other School To Work Websites:
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