What skills do employers value most in the work place? In a recent survey
(Conference Board, 2006), hundreds of employers from a range of
industries were given the list below and asked: “what are the ‘top 5’ skills
for high school graduates?”
What ‘top 5’ skills would you choose?
Basic Knowledge/Skills
1) English Language (spoken)
2) Reading Comprehension
(in English)
3) Writing in English
(grammar, spelling, etc.)
4) Mathematics
5) Science
6) Government/Economics
7) Humanities/Arts
8) Foreign Languages
9) History/Geography
Resoundingly, employers chose applied skills over basic knowledge/skills.
The top 5 skills for high school graduates were: 1) professionalism/work
ethic, 2) teamwork collaboration, 3) oral communications, 4) ethics/social
responsibility, and 5) reading comprehension in English.
To reinforce these skills and workforce readiness, many schools and out-of-school programs use School-Connect to help students develop and practice effective communication, self-management, and collaborative problem solving. Students can also research careers of interest and design the educational path necessary for reaching their long-term goals.
From: Are They Really Ready to Work? Employers’ Perspectives on the Basic Knowledge and Applied Skills for New Entrants to the 21st Century U.S. Workforce. (2006) Available at www.conference-board.org
SCHOOL STORIES In New York City, Crotona Academy High School partners with SOBRO
(South Bronx Overall
Economic Development
Corp) in successfully using School-Connect to prepare students for work internships. READ MORE
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