Students Need to Be College and Career Ready

ISLI was invited to attend a meeting of the Iowa College and Career Readiness meeting during early June and was among some of the largest schools and organizations in the state. The students present and back at home developed We Believe statements to define the student perspective on college and career readiness. Below is what the students of Iowa believe is important during their high school career to develop into successful college students and beyond.

• We believe that students have an important perspective regarding their postsecondary options and deserve a seat at the table when making decisions about career and college readiness. It is our future; our voices matter.

• We believe that every student is entitled to a role model who pushes them towards higher education and assists them in the path to realizing their potential.

• We believe that without some level of post-secondary training, entering the workforce is becoming prohibitively difficult. School counselors must help all students understand this reality and determine what post-secondary path makes sense for them.

• We believe four year college is not right for all students. Students, teachers, counselors, and parents need to foster a culture in which students encouraged to explore a wide range of post-secondary options that best fit their individual skills and passions.

• We believe that it is the responsibility of all counselors, educators, and administrators to teach students “soft skills” such as how to communicate and work with others.

• We believe that counselors must collaborate with classroom teachers to better understand the skills and passions of each student and use this information to guide students in making decisions about post-secondary education.

• We believe that students should be free to pursue their dreams regardless of their circumstances.

• We believe that all students, not just those taking advanced or A.P. courses, should be given guidance regarding education beyond high school. Perhaps in eleventh grade, all students should be exposed to a college and career readiness curriculum.

• We believe that counselors should sustain relationships with community members so that they can connect students with opportunities (such as internships) to build real-world experience in high school.

Follow along on Twitter with #iowaccr.