ASKED Answered
Tell us something you have found to be helpful in focusing students on college , career and citizenship .
Three education leaders share their thoughts about sending students into the future as good citizens .
Emily Tsai Brownfield Director , 21st Century Learning & Innovation
North Monterey County USD
We must provide students with 21st century learning opportunities throughout their K-12 experience . College , career and citizenship preparation ought to be embedded from the elementary classroom through high school . Elementary school teachers begin by facilitating conversations with students about jobs in the community and discuss what it means to be a responsible citizen . Middle schools delve into career exploration and research different careers in fields that are of interest to students . All teachers embed reallife application to academic skills and subjects . At the high school level , all teachers , not just CTE teachers , need to be involved in career readiness . Introduce all teachers to the Standards for Career-Ready Practice and have teachers collaborate and brainstorm how they can embed the 4Cs ( communication , collaboration , creativity and critical thinking ) in student learning on a daily basis . Provide opportunities for students to practice solving real-life issues the school is facing . Develop a venue where students can communicate their ideas and thoughts on how to improve their school . Incorporate the use of technology and provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their creativity and innovation in meaningful ways . Partner with local businesses by inviting them to share with students the skills they are looking for when hiring employees . Give students the opportunity to explore and think about what they love to do and how they like to work . By helping students find their voice and prepare successfully for college , career , and citizenship throughout their educational experiences , students will be better equipped to lead our future . n
Admittedly , the “ citizenship ” aspect probably receives the least amount of attention . As a district we are expanding our implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports ( PBIS ), and Restorative Justice practices , programs and personnel . We are doing this so that everyone in our schools , both students and adults , has specific and concrete tools for demonstrating and practicing citizenship . In order to better prepare students for careers , we have developed six to eight career academies in each of our comprehensive high schools . These academies include a total of 17 different Career Technical Education pathways , such as engineering design , environmental technology , patient care and public safety . Students in these pathways complete intro , concentrator and capstone courses on their way to earning
industry level certifications before graduating . These students are also much better connected with their schools and see the relevance in their coursework , leading to a near 100 percent graduation rate . Of course , the bulk of our work is focused on preparing ALL students for the opportunity to attend college . This was exemplified through our LCAP process when student stakeholders advocated for adopting A-G college entrance requirements as our high school graduation requirements , in a district serving 96 percent unduplicated low income , English learner and foster students . This has led to the revamping of course catalogs , expansion of credit recovery , training for counselors and parent trips to local universities . Most importantly , it has forced all stakeholders to confront long held beliefs and expectations regarding what our students are capable of achieving . n
Jason Angle Assistant Superintendent Coachella Valley USD
Lisa Andrew Superintendent
Hollister SD
During the month of November , our eighth grade students focus on the American History standard of analyzing the political principles underlying the U . S . Constitution and comparing the enumerated and implied powers of the federal government . Teachers team teach and facilitate learning stations , where students work in small groups completing tasks housed in a Google classroom . Stations include : 1 ) writing letters to Congress , 2 ) creating a compromise bill , 3 ) creating constitutional amendments , 4 ) creating a defense for a mock trial using the Bill of Rights , 5 ) exploring the rights of states and the division of federal and state governments , 6 ) researching current proposed amendments , 7 ) writing the pros and cons of the electoral college , and 8 ) completing simulations on the iCivics website to run for president , lead the country , pass new laws , and argue real cases .
Needless to say , the level of engagement in the classroom is extremely high . Students are analyzing , synthesizing , researching , refining , debating , building coalitions , and writing some very compelling arguments . Thinking maps are in all notebooks , and current laws and proposed bills are displayed on Chromebook screens throughout the room . After completing each station , students write and defend their own constitution . While visiting classes this year , I asked students about the relevance of the activities and writing their own constitution . They commented on both the privilege and responsibility of being an American citizen . They had just lived the 2016 presidential election , and they realized how important it was to be informed and understand your rights . They also realized the implications of a vote on your rights . n
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