“The push for common core standards - coupled with the distressing numbers of college students who need remedial courses and the dissatisfaction among business leaders with the preparation of high school graduates - has ignited the institutional and political movement to tackle the ‘readiness problem.’
“Inadequate academic preparation is certainly at the core of the problem. But in surveys, employers zoom in on something else: a lack of social, emotional and civic competencies - including a work ethic, a spirit of teamwork and communications skills - that stand as key barriers to employment for four out of every 10 high school graduates who apply for entry-level jobs. Young people themselves often note their own deficiencies in what can be called ‘life readiness,’ such as limited experience in managing finances; difficulty finding adequate transportation, housing and child care; and enormous financial pressures that force them to squeeze in school around jobs.”
In a recent commentary in the trade journal, District Administration, Karen Pittman (president and CEO of the Forum for Youth Investment) reflects on how educators can ensure the readiness of students by understanding the elements of postsecondary success, and understanding the causes and consequences of postsecondary failure.
As one of the two examples to illustrate her theme, Ms. Pittman chose ACCESS, a nonprofit organization working in Boston and Springfield, MA, to provide free financial aid advice and advocacy to all the students of these two in order to help them overcome the financial barriers to higher education.
To access Ms. Pittman’s complete essay, please visit:
District Administration: What’s Readiness Got to Do with College and Career Success? (May 2011)
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