So, What Does it REALLY Mean to Be College and Career Ready?
The mission of the Williamstown Independent School District
is to Engage, Educate, and Empower ALL students for College and Career Readiness. What does this actually mean? Nation
and local concerns regarding the use of “Common Core Math” or that cursive isn’t
taught in schools anymore leaves stakeholders wondering, “What are they
actually teaching nowadays and why?” It is important for all to realize that
the world has changed and today’s students are preparing for jobs that do not
yet exist. It is the goal of educators
to give students an educational experience needed to keep pace with the demands
of our competitive, knowledge-based, technology-driven society.
Below are five areas I believe students need (and educators
need to promote) for paving the way for a successful future.
1.
Academic
and Content Knowledge: This one is
pretty cut and dry. It is comprised of
knowing core subject areas of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Students need the capacity to process,
retain, and apply content knowledge.
2.
Higher
Order Thinking Skills: This refers
to the processing and interpreting of information. Students need to have the ability to identify
issues, analyze situations, formulate hypothesis, critically think, and problem
solve.
3.
Creativity:
Research confirms that every individual has innate creative potential (I think
I am still looking for mine). In order for this potential to be actualized, all
students should be actively engaged in the creative process. Engaging in the
arts inspires creative and imaginative confidence in students and empowers them
to address the challenges of the future.
4.
Self-Awareness: Students need to be aware of their goals,
beliefs and values. They should enter
into an area that is of interest and one they are capable of doing. Many of these can be explored throughout the
high school career.
5.
Employability
and Life Skills: This is often
referred to as “soft skills” These are the skills employees look for in an
employee and include collaboration and teamwork, responsible, trusting,
reliable, flexible, good communicator, manages time, takes ownership,
perseverance and grit.
Ultimately, college and career readiness demands students
know more than just content. They must know
how to learn and build upon content to solve problems. They must develop
versatile communication skills, work collaboratively and work competitively in
a school or work environment. Williamstown is committed to Engaging, Educating
and Empowering our students for the demands of their future. We ask for your support as we provide both
the academic and social skills necessary so students can succeed on whatever
path they choose.
