Are You Up on the Latest News About Jobs?
- Estimates are that 70 percent of tomorrow's jobs have not yet been created? (Center for State Scholars: www.centerforstatescholars.org.) )
The workplace and skills needed to compete for its best jobs are changing at a mind numbing pace. Technological advancements have eliminated the need for certain jobs but created a new demand for employees who can adapt to the expanding dynamics of today's work environment.
- According to the U.S. Department of Education, seven out of ten students graduate high school without courses needed to succeed in college or the workplace. (U.S. Department of Education: www.Ed.gov)
- Analysts indicate that the United States is likely to face a shortage of 12 million qualified workers within the next decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov)
What Can I Do to Help Ensure Student Success?
1. As a parent of a high school student you can talk about the relationship between choices made and results earned:
- Research conducted by the U.S. Department of Education (U.S.E.D.) found that students who complete rigorous academic courses like the Scholars Course of Study (internal link?) enjoy, on average, a 13.1 percent wage advantage nine years after graduation, an effect that occurred regardless of whether the student attended college or not. (Zucker and Dawson, NCES 2001-168, table 21)
- Three long-term studies conducted by the U.S.E.D. demonstrate a strong correlation between courses completed in high school and postsecondary degree completion. (Adelman, Clifford, Answers in the Toolbox, www.ed.gov/pubs/Toolbox.)
- A solid academic foundation in high school benefits every student, regardless of ethnicity and socioeconomic status. (www.ed.gov)
2. As a parent you can encourage your student to take the kinds of courses that make up the Kentucky Scholars Course of Study:
- 4 credits of English that include: English I, II, III, IV and V
- 3 credits of math that include: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
- 3 credits of science that include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- 3 credits of Social Studies: Chosen from U.S. History/1.0, World History/1.0, World Geography/1.0, Economics/0.5, Government/0.5
- 2 years of the same foreign language
Because each school district and school may define or call its courses by different names, please check with your district office, principal or counselor to determine exactly what course titles are included on your student's road to becoming a Kentucky Scholar.
3. As a parent you can share news about the Kentucky Scholars Program with others:
- Talk with local business owners, your local chamber of commerce, central office for public schools, - encourage your community to get behind a Kentucky Scholars Program
- Engage your student's teacher, counselor and principal in conversations about more rigorous courses and then assist them in adopting the Kentucky Scholars Program in your school or school district
- Find a champion or champions! The most successful Scholars programs are able to generate excitement, enthusiasm and involvement because they find those willing to provide a committed, strong voice and energy for the initiative
- Support the student journey - join with other parents, business owners and community members from all walks of life in forming groups that will keep students motivated and encouraged to complete their Scholars journey
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