1. CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Tom Torlakson, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Pre-Conference Session: “Personal Learning Plans for All Students as a Foundation for College & Career Readiness and Life Success ” Rebecca Dedmond, The George Washington University David Militzer, California Department of Education Dan Blake, Sonoma County Office of Education Educating for Careers Conference Sacramento Convention Center February 13, 2012

2. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction A Perfect Storm: Four Converging Megatrends Great Recession Changing Demographics Upskilling Of Jobs Unprepared Workforce Phil Jarvis, The National LifeWork Centre, Memramcook, New Brunswick

3. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction The Great Recession…

4. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction They estimate that today’s students will have 10-14 jobs …by the age of 38.

5. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction The percentage of teens & young adults who have jobs… is now at the lowest level since WWII.

6. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Changing Demographics…

7. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Key factors to consider: Latino students now make up the majority of K-12 students in California The racial/ethnic groups that are the least educated are the fastest growing. National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education

8. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction If current trends persist, the U.S. will experience a decline in educational attainment levels from one generation to the next for the first time in its history.

9. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Upskilling of Jobs…

10. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Job Market in 1960… Percentage of jobs requiring a 4- year degree = 20% Percentage of jobs requiring a 2-year degree or certificate = 20% Percentage of jobs requiring minimal on-the-job training = 60%

11. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Job Market Today… Percentage of jobs requiring a 4- year degree = 20% Percentage of jobs requiring a 2-year degree or certificate = 65% Percentage of jobs requiring minimal on-the-job training = 15%

12. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction For over a century, the U.S. led the world in equipping its young people with the education they would need to succeed… and the U.S. economy thrived

13. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Some alarming statistical trends: The U.S. has fallen from 1st place to 13th in high school graduation rates The U.S. now ranks 12th in the percentage of 25- 34 year-olds with an A.A. Degree or higher

14. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction However, the U.S. does lead the world in one important statistic: The U.S. has the highest college dropout rate in the industrialized world.

15. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction 93% of middle school students say there is “no chance” they will drop out of high school 29% of Californians age 18-24 lack a high school diploma

16. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Perhaps most importantly… when surveyed, the majority of high school dropouts say they began to “disconnect” in middle school or earlier.

17. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction At a time when the need for career counseling is more critical than ever… California’s counselor to student ratio is 814 to 1, ranking California last in the nation.

18. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Unprepared Workforce…

19. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction According to a 2006 report… 70% of employers cite deficiencies among workers in the areas of professionalism, work ethic, & critical thinking 40% of employers say incoming employees are deficiently prepared even for entry-level jobs

20. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction What do you want to be when you grow up? We’re asking the wrong question…

21. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Most of us acquired a superficial and narrow knowledge base of occupations while we were growing up. Our occupational knowledge reflected what we knew about our family members’ jobs, the jobs of our neighbors, and the people we came in contact with in our community on a regular basis. This natural occurrence tends to severely limit the career options that students see for themselves. It may explain why so many children mention the jobs of firefighter, police officer, nurse, or teacher when asked what they want to be when they grow up. These jobs are familiar to them in their daily lives. (Colussy, 1998)

22. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction The reality is, we are currently preparing students for jobs and technologies that don’t yet exist… in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet.

23. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction As a result of this “Perfect Storm,” teens and young adults are persistently disconnected from both education AND employment

24. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction What are the ramifications of this “perfect storm” on the way we approach career development in the 21st Century?

25. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction OLD: Choose a destination What will you be when…? NEW: Focus on the journey Who are you now? What are your special skills, abilities, talents, (assets)? What will you do next (stepping stones)? What competencies will you work on? What does your future look & feel like?

26. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction These “megatrends” lead to an important conclusion: A new approach to career awareness, exploration, and preparation beginning in middle school (or earlier) is a moral & economic imperative if we are to fulfill our responsibility to current and future generations.

27. Career Development Continuum Preparing all Youth for Success in College, Career, and Life 9-16 Career Awareness Learn about a wide variety of jobs and careers Career Exploration Explore, research, and plan for the future Career Preparation Gain education, training, and work experience Educated Engaged Experienced Aware Skilled Prepared Connected K-8 AwarenessExplorationPreparation Classroom & School Web Research Guest Speakers Career Interest Assessment College & Career Fairs Career Contextual Instruction College Awareness School & Workplace Core Academic Preparation Career Technical Courses & Programs Career-Related Project-Based Learning Career Plan Refinement Work-Ready Certification/Soft Skills Occupational Certifications Job-Seeking Skills Work Experience Internships College Preparation Families & Neighborhood Adult Interaction Role Model Observation Families & Neighborhood Risk Taking Role Playing Progression of Responsibility Workplace Job Shadowing Career Mentoring Community Service Projects Informational Interviews Workplace Industry Tours & Field Trips Career & Job Fairs Youth in the Workplace Classroom & School Career Pathways, Courses, & Clubs Integrated Curriculum Classroom Simulations Career Plan Development Career-Focused Projects & Assignments College Exploration Postsecondary Options Community College 4-year College or University Trade/Technical School Military Service/National Service Apprenticeship Enter Workforce (full or part time) Self-Employment/Entrepreneur

28. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Expand knowledge of career options

29. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Expand knowledge of high school & post-secondary education/training options

30. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Increase perception of post-secondary relevance (stress the importance of educational attainment)

31. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Increase understanding of career goals, interests, and aspirations

32. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Increase awareness of middle school staffs & parents regarding career development resources and educational options

33. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Program Goals & Objectives Increase the number of students who develop integrated academic/career development plans, including course sequences that are consistent with career pathway options

34. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Charting a Course Through The Perfect Storm Can Personalized Learning Plans Be A Compass? David Militzer Education Programs Consultant California Department of Education dmilitzer@cde.ca.gov

35. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters: What Is Happening in California? *California’s CTE Standards set high bar for career and college planning but lack middle grades approach for all students *Efforts to increase school counselors—AB 1802 lowers ratio from 954:1 to 395:1 (2002–09) *SB 70—Middle grades career exploration funding, increased multiple pathways *Financial cuts, crises, student-centered services being reduced—student/counselor ratio now over 800:1 *Unchartered waters—reform efforts, budget cuts, flexing of dedicated funding, increasing recognition of what’s working, and polarized debates aboutpurpose and goals of education

36. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction 2010 -11 88% of 277 high school principals surveyed report that budget cuts have stalled reform and professional development 66% report reduced college access programs 50% report cuts in counselors 60% who report trying to develop engaging programs such as Multiple Pathways/ Linked Learning are suffering setbacks “Free Fall: Educational Opportunities in 2011,”IDEA Educational Access Report

37. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction 2011- 2012 Approximately 70% of 1,000 K–12 principals report reductions in positions and/or hours of support staff (counselors, social workers, psychologists, etc. ) Preliminary data from 2012 IDEA Educational Access Report (Pre-publication)

38. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters “Our kids are more on their own to succeed and navigate their way through school than they have ever, ever been.” —California High School Principal, “Free Fall” Where does this leave schools? What as educators are we doing to address this?

39. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters School Counselors Problems with funding—most states well above recommended 250:1 ratio, California is last in the nation Problems with roles/responsibility—lack of clarity about mission/purpose Problems with training—around 50% nationally feel ill prepared for their jobs Do counselors have a role in K–12 education? If yes, what is it?

40. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters Career and College Ready 23 states and the District of Columbia have adopted policies for Individual Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) (aka Student Learning Plans, SLPs) Growing evidence suggests that such plans reduce dropouts, engage gifted students, increase matriculation to postsecondary Rennie Center Report on “Student Learning Plans: Supporting Every Student’s Transition to College and Career”, June 2011

41. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters Career and College Ready PLPs increasingly being used for developing and maintaining comprehensive career guidance programs And expanding activities to connect students with workforce training And fostering awareness of CTE programs and courses of study that focus on career development and postsecondary transitions “Rennie Center Report on Student Learning Plans: Supporting Every Student’s Transition to College and Career”, June 2011

42. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Purpose: To Develop CTE and Career Exploration in Grades 7 & 8 and… Link CTE and Career Exploration Integrate CTE and Core Academic Curricula Develop linkages between middle grades and high school programs of study Develop and implement Personal Learning Plans for all students

43. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Applicants Total grant funds available$1.8 million Number of applications107 Grant funds requested$14.8 million

44. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Grantees Grants awarded13 Average grant amount$138, 461 Grant period12 months

45. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Middle Schools Participating middle schools46 8 th grade students served7,121 Other students served8,085 Total students served15, 206

46. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Postsecondary, Business, & Community Partners Community colleges16 Four-year institutions5 (UC/CSU/Private) Business/community57

47. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Career Exploration: Middle Grades Students Served First semester3,723 Second semester (projected)9,437 Total (projected)13,160

48. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Career Technical Education: High Schools & Pathways Receiving high schools46 High school pathways186 Average number of CTE Pathways per high school4

49. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Career Technical Education: Middle Grades Students Served First semester3,567 Second semester (projected)3,018 Total (projected)6,585

50. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Successes: Students Increased motivation Increased academic performance Expression of clearer choices and selection of multiple pathways Reduced discipline problems

51. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Successes: Schools Increased rigor Increased collaboration Demonstrated need for expanded CTE at high school level Waiting lists for career exploration and CTE middle grades classes More talk about student futures

52. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Successes: District/County/Community More middle schools want to participate County-wide middle grades initiative Youth tech center New grad requirement: 2 CTE classes Ties to local career opportunities

53. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction SB70 Middle Grades CTE & Career Pathways Grant Program Challenges Changes in administration Lateness of grant award Career exploration component Training new CTE teachers Countywide communications Comprehensive implementation Reduction in counselors

54. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction From CDE “Study of Pupil Personnel Ratios, Services, and Programs” (July 2003) “We are facing a crisis in pupil support services in California’s schools. Today’s students face increased challenges with decreased support. Peer pressure, bullying at school, dysfunctional families, drug and tobacco use, growing teen suicide rates all contribute to student feelings of anxiety and depression and create barriers to learning. More than ever before, counseling and pupil support services play a critical role in the academic preparation and social development of our youth.”

55. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction From “A Handbook for Counselors” Published by the Association of Deans and Counselors in conjunction with the California Department of Education, 1929 Data that were believed to clearly demonstrate the effectiveness of a school (guidance) counseling program included: 1. a reduction in course failings 2. reduction in drop out rates 3. reduction in absences/increases in attendance 4. reduction of discipline incidents 5. improvement in climate, and 6. strong college and career counseling.

56. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters We do not lack good ideas We do not even need to dig very deeply to see what works and what we could/should be doing but aren’t And, we cannot go back in time. So…………………...

57. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters Isn’t it time to use a new compass? Isn’t it time to chart a new course?

58. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Uncharted Waters Key References and Sources “Rennie Center Report on Student Learning Plans: Supporting Every Student’s Transition to College and Career,” (6/11) http://renniecenter.issuelab.org/research “Free Fall: Educational Opportunities in 2011,” IDEA Educational Access Report (3/11) http://www.idea.gseis.ucla.edu/

59. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Personalized Learning Plans What is the purpose of a PLP? Each student will have a Personalized Plan for Progress, reviewed often to recognize individual strengths and, within reasonable parameters allow individual design for learning and progress (adapted NASSP, Breaking Ranks, Recommendation 12, p. 84)

60. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction The Purpose To help adolescents navigate their way through the world of adolescence, through meaningful educational & learning options, and into a satisfied & self- sufficient future (Freshman Transition Initiative, Dedmond)

61. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Freshman transition helps… Students steer a successful course through the world of adolescence Students prepare for successful entry into the world beyond high school Freshman Transition Standards Lead Students to... *Develop knowledge & skills needed to compete *Become adaptive self-starters *Raise social IQ

62. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction The Standards for Freshman Transition & the 10-Year Plan *Help students plan for development of the broad skills required for success in a competitive global economy *Give students opportunities to develop initiative and explore the changing workplace *Help students develop social IQ through interaction with peers and members of the community (Dedmond, 2008)

63. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction What are the Benefits of the PLP? “…the difference in the high school experiences of students with plans for high school courses and career plans versus students without such counselor-assisted plans was so great that providing help with these plans must be offered at every school…” (Orfield & Paul, 1994, p. 11)

65. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction What Information is Included in the PLP? *Foundation begins in elementary school *Continues with exploration throughout middle school *Goal is for Individual Student Plans to become pathways or guides that use the past and present to anticipate and prepare for the future (Gysbers, 2011, p. 86)

66. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction In today’s world of… *Competitiveness *Technology *Globalization *Information In a workplace that demands… *problem solving*superior social intelligence *creativity *communication *entrepreneurship *cooperation*understanding*branding *caring about others *teamwork *shaping the outcomes of social situations*other….. What is the format?

68. TOM TORLAKSON State Superintendent of Public Instruction Speaker Contact Information Rebecca Dedmond The George Washington University 703-549-6935 / rdedmond@gwu.edurdedmond@gwu.edu David Militzer California Department of Education dmilitzer@cde.ca.gov Dan Blake Sonoma County Office of Education 707-524-2780 / dblake@scoe.orgdblake@scoe.org