1. Education to Careers

2. Education-to-Careers in Illinois Also known as school to work Commitment to improve quality and relevance of education for every student Raise quality and reliability of tomorrow’s workforce Driven by world-class academic standards connected to real-world marketplace needs

3. Philosophy for Education What is learned in school should prepare students for future careers Students should see the connection between what is learned in school and the real world Everyone in the community must be a part

4. Philosophy for Education Every student must master new skills and technology and work both independently and collaboratively Every student can learn but not in the same way High expectations yield better results

5. Philosophy for Education Education must change to keep pace with our rapidly changing world Learning takes place at many sites— including but not limited to a classroom

6. Illinois’ Future Illinois’ economy will require more than 7 million workers by 2008 Professional and technical occupations, which require more than a high school education, will add the most new jobs – nearly 280,000

7. Prepare for College or Careers? U.S. colleges graduate 1.2 million students each year Economy generates only 600,000 jobs for college graduates

8. Improved Educational System Access to career opportunities and work- based learning experiences for all students Blend with world-class academic standards Produce citizens prepared for rewarding lives and satisfying careers

9. Education to Careers Prepares students for lifelong learning by providing career exploration activities at all grade levels Recognizes applied learning improves educational outcomes and better prepares students

10. Education to Careers Common-sense approach to preparing learners to succeed Creates schools that are relevant to changing economy Supports meaningful career preparation

11. Education to Careers Creates meaningful business and education partnerships Local community members work together to help local students succeed Brings together people from diverse personal and professional backgrounds to connect worlds of work and school

12. Emphasis Areas Rigorous and relevant learning standards Career awareness, exploration, and development Relevant work experiences for students and educators

13. Emphasis Areas Strategies that integrate academic and applied instruction Real-world application and hands-on learning Diverse learning styles

14. Guiding Principles Education is not limited to traditional school buildings or classrooms Every student should be provided information, opportunities, and support to make informed choices and set realistic goals for their future

15. Guiding Principles Opportunities must be accessible to every learner and broaden (not limit) options Education should be relevant and useful for lifelong learning and multiple careers Rigorous academics for college and careers are essential for every student

16. Changes for Students Learn to work as a team Gain hands-on, experiential experiences Learn because they will use it in life Whole community is a classroom They know why they are in school

17. Changes for Students Are being prepared for life, not college Participate in internships related to career of interest Explore all education and career options

18. Benefits Students – education and skills to succeed in school, work, and life Teachers – new knowledge and tools to engage and excite students Employers – better qualified employees ready to meet demands of workplace