From our experience working in high schools, we want to make the case that career-connected learning is essential for engagement, relevance, and quality postsecondary planning.

The problem is that these experiences are often like fitting a square peg into a round hole. In other words, the school system isn’t always set up to handle work experiences or even college planning as a formal process.

Understand Your State and Local Policies

We are huge proponents of career-connected learning; in fact, we often make the argument that it’s best for career-connected learning to start in kindergarten with career exposure and exploration, exist on a continuum through middle school, and culminate in high school with actual work experience.

Success in life after graduation isn’t guaranteed, but it’s far more likely when students know who and what they want to be, based on the experiences they received in K–12.

Career-Connected Learning Pays Off

• Block Schedules
• Advisory Periods
• Identify a Champion

Student attendance is about more than getting the students in the door. Creating a positive, inclusive, uplifting environment for students and staff is the first step in addressing chronic absenteeism. From there, take steps to collect and analyze data effectively, support struggling students, and foster relationships with families.