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In the previous issue of Connections, I started by comparing the importance of partnerships in education to the importance of location in real estate. Just as the three most important things in real estate are "location, location, and location," three of the most important things in education are "partnerships, partnerships, and partnerships."
Repeating the word three times does not overstate the importance of the concept. Educational institutions that are not partnered with other educational institutions (i.e., secondary with postsecondary), with business, and with community organizations are doing their students a great disservice. No matter how noble education for education's sake may seem, all students must eventually be able to earn a living. There will, of course, be some exceptions, but very few.
A Career Pathways system that prepares students for a valued place in today's economy requires all partners to do their part. Think of a three-legged stool, where education, business, and community leaders are the legs.
A good Career Pathways system (i.e., a system in which all three legs are functioning as they should):
- Is supported by a partnership of all stakeholders who have a shared vision.
- Provides a context within which students learn required academics and technical skills.
- Provides mechanisms that enable students to formulate plans to prepare for the next step after high school.
- Includes an integrated curriculum that is designed on the basis of national, state, and local skill standards.
- Includes a progressive career development system (elementary through college and adult).
- Creates community awareness and support.
- Provides professional development for faculty, counselors, administrators, and employers.
- Collects and uses data for improvement.
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© 2010 CORD
David Bond is Director of the National Career Pathways Network and a CORD Senior Vice President. For more information, contact David at dbond@cord.org.