| Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo County, CA | November 2, 2004 Election |
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Preparing Students for the 21st Century WorkforceBy Patricia Ann "Pat" CulleyCandidate for Board Member; Santa Maria Joint Union High School District |
This information is provided by the candidate | |
California high schools are failing to adequately prepare students for college or the 21st century workforce.Current research shows that California Public high schools are failing to adequately prepare students for college, or the 21st Century workforce, and this will affect all of us. Jobs we once thought of as non-academic, like automotive technology, sheet metal workers, electricians, farmers and carpenters, to name but a few, today require a more rigorous academic foundation than ever before. Research shows that California high schools are not providing students access to the kinds of courses, and teaching the key skills that will prepare our children for work, or college, upon graduation. In fact, California's high schools are not successfully teaching students even the most basic skills. Unfortunately, California high schools are still giving out 20th century diplomas in a 21st century economy. Research clearly indicates that ready for work and ready for college mean the same thing in today's and tomorrow's economy; however, California's high schools are not preparing most of their students for success in either setting. If California is to continue to be an economic leader, we must prepare all of our high school graduates for real choices after high school. I strongly believe whatever we expect of our students, will be the level to which they will aspire. If we have already conveyed to our students they cannot possibly master certain coursework by not even offering or making those courses available to all students, it is no wonder the majority of our children feel they cannot, and do not, master basic material. Their future is sealed before they have a chance. Our high school children must feel we expect great things from all of them. Brand new facilities are wonderful and certainly needed, but equally if not more important, we must also make sure we are preparing our children with real options when they graduate, otherwise, we as a community and taxpayers have spent a tremendous amount of money with very little real return on our investment. |
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ca/sba Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 13, 2004 22:28
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