EDU Trending: Choosing Skills over College Degrees
Walmart, Bank of America, Google, Accenture, Kellogg’s, Delta, Apple, and IBM represent a growing number of major American corporations that are reducing the list of jobs requiring a four-year college degree.
Instead, for some jobs (often technical), these business leaders are prioritizing candidates who demonstrate immediately applicable skills acquired at a prior job or through CTE (career and technical education) training, as well as “competency, ability to learn, and versatility.”
The expansion of “new collar” jobs are predicted to continue in correlation with the increasing importance of AI.
This trend is based on several factors: Today, in the United States, there are more jobs than there are applicants. Four-year college enrollment is declining and along with it, prospective employees with degrees. Importantly, a company that hires skilled, viable applicants widens the employment pool to be more efficient and more equitable with motivated workers who have potential to grow within the company.
New corporate hiring requirements align with the robust growth of CTE programs in high schools and colleges.
CTE training (and its real-world learning experiences) prepares students for 21st century specialized career opportunities and provides a problem-solving, success mindset that gives them a head start whether they decide to go directly from high school to a career or choose to pursue a two- or four-year college degree. Either way, CTE offers a variety of courses and promising opportunities for exciting, high-paying jobs. Check out some of the possibilities:
One caveat: In my opinion, CTE would benefit by adding some humanities courses. They would give students a view of the world beyond their own backyards, open them to new ideas, bigger dreams and opportunities, and enhance their potential for personal growth and corporate success. Just a thought.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZR1B4uRaLoA
News and Views: The Great Home-Schooling Morph
Homeschooling is a lot different than what it was a few years ago. For one thing, according to a new study conducted by the Washington Post, in the six-years before, during, and after the pandemic, homeschooling has become the fastest growing segment in U.S. K-12 education, stabilizing at +45% in 2022-2023 versus 2017-2018. For another, it now has a more heterogeneous parent base and has morphed into multiple permutations. Let’s take a step back.
Before the pandemic, homeschooling was a fringe element of the education system. It represented about three percent of students enrolled in public, charter, private, and religious schools. About two thirds of families were conservative and were drawn to homeschooling so they could add daily religious instruction to their districts’ curriculum.
During the pandemic, everyone was remote teaching and learning at home. Children and adults quickly wearied of Zoom school, and parents sought alternative options. Some collaborated with friends and/or neighbors to form learning pods and micro schools. Others turned to tutors and on-line courses. The belief is that shared teaching responsibilities provides more individualized learning options and expertise for their children.
In addition to finding the homeschool model that is best for your child, parents must agree on a pedagogical approach. For options, check out the video. With knowledge, warmth, and helpful tips, Julia, a homeschooling mom, describes the 10 most popular methods. Whether or not you plan to homeschool, listening to her explain how to use or combine different approaches to help each child learn and enjoy is a worthwhile investment of your time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=plrw8bqKFw0
When the pandemic was over, most families who had turned to homeschooling stayed. According to the Post, parents cited four reasons: 1) flexibility to individualize learning, especially for students with special needs, 2) fear of school shootings, 3) student stress due to potential bullying, and 4) anger over the political impact on curriculum.
Today, homeschooling is a profile in diversity: Half of the parents are Republicans, the other half, Democrats. White students are slightly less than 50% of those enrolled, students of color slightly more. Religious instruction is a primary factor among only one third of families. Homeschooling is also mainstream. Student enrollment is already on par with religious school enrollment. It is growing at a faster rate than charter schools and may overtake them in the near future.
Questions remain. Can and will at least one parent continue in the full-time role of teacher? Or can home schooling as micro schools, learning pods, and online classes flourish through trusting collaboration between experienced educators and part-time parent-teachers?
But there is no question that with the dramatic rise in homeschooling and CTE, the ground is shifting under the U.S. educational system. Long term ramifications can be positive if political and educational leaders proactively work with parents and teachers to explore other countries who have adapted successfully - on behalf of their children - to the need for change.
Question of the Day: Home Schooling Online
This seeming contradiction is one of several directions into which homeschooling has morphed. That said, what percentage of home school families currently use some online classes for their children’s education?
15%
30%
45%
60%
75%
For the correct answer, go to www.merleschell.com/taking-care-of-youand read the November posting Find Your ‘You.’
From Me to You: Leadership: The Art of Letting Go
Recently, I read an article recommending that business leaders should intentionally develop four characteristics to be exceptional and successful. I was struck by how basic and focused they are on awareness and respect for others’ humanity as well as their professional abilities. Worthy values for both leaders and workers in every profession, I have summarized them to share with you:
Believe in people’s abilities. Listen to people. Get to know them. See their strengths and talents. Respect their goals. Give them the right opportunities to show what they can do.
Respect those you lead. Set a tone of courtesy and gratitude. Lead by example, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you,’ and offering praise for acts of kindness as well as work well done. When speaking with someone, stop, take the time to really look at that person and smile.
Respond to people’s needs. Understand what motivates your employees and gives them joy. Give them training, mentorship, and occasions to achieve their goals, dreams, and ambitions.
Provide autonomy with accountability. Giving people freedom is based on mutually earned trust. Adding accountability shows respect for their professionalism and leadership potential.
This is what letting go looks like. It means putting aside the belief that only you can identify and fix a problem, establish a culture, recognize opportunities, devise strategies and plans for others to implement. It means acknowledging that a me-focused, top-down management style limits the perspectives and contributions of others, narrows innovation, and restricts the growth potential of employees and organizations alike. So, let go.
Trust those you hire. Recognize and inspire them to rise, contribute, shine, demonstrate leadership qualities of their own, and make you and their organizations the better for it.
That is the job, responsibility, and reward of an exceptional leader.
