by L. Lippman and C. Whitney (April 2009) #2009-23.
The brief highlights college and workplace readiness practices that are particularly effective for students facing specific challenges. These include low-income and minority youth: Place and support students in rigorous classes such as Advanced Placement; offer high-quality college and career/vocational counseling, and school-to-work programs. English language learners: To help students progress faster, target classes to skill levels in speaking English and in academic subjects. Disconnected youth and disabled youth: Job training and vocational education can help prevent students from dropping out and can help improve adult outcomes for foster youth and students with disabilities. Disconnected youth need programs that also build social skills.
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by L. Lippmann and J. Keith (April 2009) #2009-24.
The brief identifies strategies that high schools can use to help young adults develop competencies needed to become a valued and skilled worker. Recommendations for schools focus on Improve school curriculum: Such as teaching social skills, adding courses in career and technical education that are needed in the workplace, and connecting standard high school curriculum more closely with workforce needs increase support to students: Includes broadening the role of guidance counselors to include career planning along with college preparation, and encouraging at-risk students to participate in transition programs that help them earn a regular high school diploma Offer a variety of activities: Includes civic engagement, career exploration and job fairs.