Feb. 21, 2023

Academic Innovations / Get Focused Stay Focused!

Survey Reveals Change in What Adults Expect from K-12 Schools

Education Week recently reported on a nationally representative survey asking American adults to rank the priorities of K-12 schools. The results of the 2022 Purpose of Education Index highlight that since the pandemic our collective view of public education has shifted toward wanting students to learn practical skills.

For instance, in 2019, respondents ranked students being "prepared to enroll in a college or university" as 10th on the list of 57 priorities; in 2022, it was ranked 47th. And, while college as a priority fell on the list, the desire for career preparation rose. In 2019, respondents ranked "Students are prepared for a career" in 27th place on the priority list; in 2022, it was ranked 6th.

Interestingly, many of the top 15 priorities from the 2022 survey align with the very practical goals of the Career Choices series and Get Focused Stay Focused. For example:

#1 - Students develop practical skills (e.g., manage personal finances, prepare a meal, make an appointment)
#2 - Students are able to think critically to problem solve and make decisions
#5 - All students receive the unique support that they need throughout their learning
#6 - Students are prepared for a career
#9 - All students have the option to choose the courses they want to study based on interests and aspirations
#11 - Students are able to effectively plan, and prioritize to achieve a goal
#12 - Students have the skills to be competitive in the local job market
#14 - Students are prepared to do work that is personally meaningful and fulfilling

How These Priorities Are Supported

Students at Indio High School Realize New Career Possibilities

Career exploration with the Career Choices series curriculum goes beyond just preparing students for college, said James Adkins, a teacher at Indio High School (2022 Career Choices Medal winner).

“Not every kid is going to college, and to be quite honest, I don’t think it’s designed for every kid to go to college,” Adkins said. “What I like about this program is that it allows a kid to research how to be a plumber or a craftsman. They get to realize that in their ninth-grade year instead of realizing it at the end of their twelfth grade.”

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