School-to-Work

Restructuring America's Education

Overview

     School-to-Work (STW) formally links government, business, and education to form an economic system in which K-12 education trains workers to meet the needs of regional businesses.  

•  Government controls education as it works with business to identify

   employment needs and to train workers to fill those jobs.

•  Business determines employment needs and expects schools to train

   students and workers.

•  Education follows federal and state mandates to change the focus

   from teaching knowledge to teaching skills so students can fill

   local employment needs.

      STW restructures education.   Traditionally, students attend K-12 schools to gain knowledge that enables them to build productive lives in a free society.   While some high school students select a vocational program to prepare them to obtain a job immediately after graduation, a majority of high school students continue their education at the postsecondary level.   In the STW system, students attend school to learn skills needed for projected high growth jobs as education and workforce development are fully integrated for all students .   The focus of educators is no longer general knowledge , it is teaching work skills .

     Based on employment projections by STW proponents, only 20% of high school graduates will attend 4-year colleges and universities.   The other 80% of students will either go directly into the workforce or receive two additional years of postsecondary training.   The STW system will classify, sort and limit students so this ratio is maintained.

     The School-to-Work (STW) system has been created through a series of federal laws that are being implemented at the state level in all 50 states.  

  • A Short History – Who developed STW and how is it being implemented across the country?
  • CEO synopsis of the Pennsylvania Keystone Commission Report, with commentary
  • EdWatch – A Minnesota grassroots policy group dedicated to ending School-to-Work    www.edwatch.org

 

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