The Diploma Today
Regardless of these differences, parents agree: the ultimate goal for high school education is to enable students with the skills needed to become self-sufficient individuals.
Quality education should lead to career success, and thus, financial independence, self-sufficiency, and character. But until education evolves and adapts to the current state of work, students will continue to be left behind.
The Future of Work Is Now
It’s A Bright Future
As technology and human advancement continue to transform the workplace, Americans are optimistic about the future. Students with technology skills and training stand to gain the most from this shift in work, while those without these skill sets risk being left behind.
Many of these jobs will require skills that are obtainable without a four-year degree.
This future of work has changed the value of a four-year degree.
In an increasingly globalized gig economy, more viable postsecondary options exist now than ever before, including industry recognized credentials, high skilled training, associate and vocational degrees, and work experience credits.
High schools must embrace this changing workplace and encourage students to choose a postsecondary experience that fits their passions.
Source: Carnevale, A., Smith, N., & Strohl, J. (2014). Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020, Georgetown University, Center on Education and the Workforce
It’s Time for Education to Evolve
Good jobs–those that pay a living wage and offer an opportunity for career progression–require more than a high school diploma.
Employers want job-ready workers who have something extra. That might be an industry-recognized credential, some on-the-job experience, a certificate, or a degree.
Life skill preparation is missing from high school education.
While parents see value in all skills, they agree more focus needs to be placed on teaching Real World Skills, like personal responsibility, financial planning, and communication skills. These skills equip students with the flexibility and versatility to succeed in a diversity of postsecondary situations.
Checklist for Success
To determine how we can better equip students for life beyond the classroom, the Kauffman Foundation asked the Kansas City community which skills and abilities best prepared them for their careers.
Results varied, but one thing was clear: career success requires learning in both the Traditional Setting and Real World Setting.
Which skills and abilities best prepared you for your career? (select 6)
- Academic Preparation
- Life Management Skills
- Math
- Productivity
- Speaking Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Growth Mindset
- Writing Skills
- Creativity
- Self Motivation
- Collaboration
- Networking
- Subject Matter Knowledge
- Empathy
- Risk Taking
- Time Management
- Reading
- Adaptability
- Self-Efficacy/ Self-assurance
- Organization
Traditional Setting
- Writing Skills
- Speaking Skills
- Subject Matter Knowledge
- Self Motivation
- Organization
- Reading
- Math
- Time Management
- Academic Preparation
- Productivity
Real World Setting
- Creativity
- Growth Mindset
- Networking
- Collaboration
- Life Management Skills
- Adaptability
- Empathy
- Critical Thinking
- Self-Efficacy/Self-assurance
- Risk Taking
Students who acquire employer-recognized skill sets are more likely to enroll and complete either degree- or non-degree-bearing postsecondary education or training.
An employer-recognized skill set refers to an industry-valued and recognized capability acquired in high school that fosters a more seamless transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the workplace.
Let’s Rethink Education
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will support district and charter school leaders that are committed to student success by providing funding, building connections with experts and advisors, supporting local organizations that create Real World Learning opportunities for students, and tracking data on student outcomes after high school.
Through these supports, Kauffman will accelerate the number of students graduating from high school with an employer-recognized skill set, a network of connections, and a clear plan for transitioning from classroom to career.