The term “college and career readiness” is used in education to describe the skills and knowledge students need to be prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. Free college and career readiness curriculum can be thought of as a continuum, with students progressing from being unprepared for postsecondary education and the workforce, to being prepared for entry-level jobs, to being prepared for middle-skill jobs, to being prepared for high-skill jobs.
There are several different college and career readiness level descriptors used by states and localities. For example, the College and Career Readiness Standards developed by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers operationalize college and career readiness as “the mastery of academic content,” “the application of knowledge and skills in real-world settings,” and “the development of non-cognitive skills and dispositions necessary for success in postsecondary education and the workplace.”
The Texas College and Career Readiness Standards
The State of Texas has adopted the Texas College and Career Readiness Standards, which include both the academic knowledge and skills students need to be prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce, as well as the “foundational skills” students need to be successful in postsecondary education and the workforce. The Texas College and Career Readiness Standards are aligned with the College and Career Readiness Standards developed by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices and the Council of Chief State School Officers.
The term “college and career readiness” is also used in the context of college access and success. In this context, college and career readiness is often operationalized as “the degree to which students have the academic skills and social capital necessary to enroll in and succeed in college.”
The Every Student Succeeds Act
There are several initiatives at the state and federal levels aimed at increasing college and career readiness. For example, the Every Student Succeeds Act, signed into law in 2015, requires states to set long-term goals for increasing the percentage of students who are college and career ready and to identify and support schools where students are not meeting college and career-readiness benchmarks.
The term “college and career readiness” is also used in the context of workforce development. In this context, college and career readiness is often operationalized as “the degree to which workers have the academic skills and workplace competencies necessary to be successful in current or future jobs.”
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
There are several initiatives at the state and federal levels aimed at increasing college and career readiness. For example, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, signed into law in 2014, requires states to develop statewide workforce plans that include strategies for increasing the number of workers who are college and career ready.
In sum, the term “college and career readiness” is used to describe the skills and knowledge students need to be prepared for postsecondary education and the workforce. College and career readiness can be thought of as a continuum, with students progressing from being unprepared for postsecondary education and the workforce, to being prepared for entry-level jobs, to being prepared for middle-skill jobs, to being prepared for high-skill jobs. There are several initiatives at the state and federal levels aimed at increasing college and career readiness.
What does it mean to be career ready?
What does it mean to be career ready? It means having the skills and experience needed to pursue a particular career. It can also mean having the right attitude and approach to work.
There are several things you can do to get yourself career ready. Getting a good education is one of the most important things you can do. It will give you the knowledge and skills you need for a successful career. You should also consider getting some experience in the field you’re interested in. This can be done through internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteering.
In addition to your education and experience, it’s important to have the right attitude and approach to your career. This includes being professional, motivated and organized. It’s also important to be able to work well with others and communicate effectively.
If you’re looking to get career ready, there are several resources available to you. There are many websites, books, and articles that can offer advice and information on getting ahead in your career. Some organizations can help you with your career planning and development. Taking advantage of these resources can help you get on the path to a successful career.
What are college and career readiness SMART goals?
What are college and career readiness SMART goals?
The answer may seem obvious – college and career readiness SMART goals are designed to help you achieve success in college and your chosen career. But what does that mean? And how can you set effective goals that will help you reach your full potential?
Let’s take a closer look at college and career readiness SMART goals, and how you can set them to help you achieve success.
What are SMART goals?
First, let’s briefly review what SMART goals are. SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely.
To be effective, your goals need to meet all five of these criteria. Let’s take a closer look at each one.
Specific – Your goal should be clear and specific so that you know exactly what you need to do to achieve it.
Measurable – Your goal should be something that you can measure so that you can track your progress and know when you’ve achieved it.
Achievable – Your goal should be realistic and achievable so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
Relevant – Your goal should be relevant to your college and career plans so that it helps you move closer to your long-term objectives.
Timely – Your goal should have a deadline so that you stay motivated and on track.
Now that we’ve reviewed the criteria for effective goals, let’s take a look at some examples of college and career readiness SMART goals.
Examples of college and career readiness SMART goals
Here are a few examples of college and career readiness SMART goals:
- Earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in my first semester of college.
- Complete an internship in my chosen field of study.
- Visit the career center on campus and attend at least one career fair.
- Join a professional organization related to my field of interest.
- Create a resume and cover letter with the help of the career center.
As you can see, each of these goals is specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely. And each one will help you move closer to your long-term goal of being successful in college and your chosen career.
How to set college and career readiness SMART goals
Now that you know what college and career readiness SMART goals are and have seen some examples, you may be wondering how you can set your own goals. Here are a few tips:
1. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve. What are your long-term goals for college and your career? What do you need to do to reach those goals?
2. Once you have a good understanding of what you want to achieve, start setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely goals. Remember to keep them realistic, so that you don’t set yourself up for disappointment.
3. Write your goals down, so that you can refer to them often and track your progress.
4. Share your goals with a friend or family member, so that they can help you stay motivated and on track.
5. Take action! Once you’ve set your goals, it’s important to take action and start working towards them. The more progress you make, the more likely you are to achieve your long-term objectives.
By following these tips, you can set effective college and career readiness SMART goals that will help you achieve success in college and your chosen career.
What skills are needed for career readiness?
As our economy continues to evolve, so too must the skills that we teach our students. No longer can we rely on the traditional education system to adequately prepare our young people for the workforce. We must instead focus on developing a new set of skills that will better equip them for the jobs of tomorrow. Here are five skills that we believe are essential for career readiness:
1. Creative problem solving
In an ever-changing landscape, businesses are looking for employees who can adapt and think outside the box. Creative problem-solving requires both lateral and critical thinking, and the ability to come up with innovative solutions to challenges.
2. Self-direction and initiative
To be successful in the modern workplace, employees need to be able to work independently and take initiative. This means being proactive, taking initiative, and being able to see projects through from start to finish.
3. Collaboration and teamwork
Gone are the days of the lone wolf worker. In today’s business world, teamwork is essential. Employees need to be able to work effectively in a team environment and be able to contribute their ideas and skills to the group.
4. Digital literacy
With technology becoming more and more integral in the workplace, digital literacy is now a must-have skill. Employees need to be comfortable using various forms of technology and be able to use them for tasks such as research, communication, and collaboration.
5. Flexibility and adaptability
The modern workplace is constantly changing, and employees need to be able to change with it. This means being flexible and adaptable and being able to quickly learn new skills as needed.
How is a career path different from a job?
A career is a long-term path or journey that someone takes to progress in their professional life. A job, on the other hand, is a specific position or task that someone is employed to do.
A career is often thought of as a life-long commitment, whereas a job is more of a short-term arrangement. Someone may change jobs several times throughout their career, but they will usually have one main career path that they follow.
There are many different types of careers, and each one will require different skills, knowledge, and experience. A job, on the other hand, is usually more specific and focused on a particular task or set of tasks.
A career can involve multiple jobs, but each job will generally relate to the overall career path. For example, someone may have a job as a salesperson, but their career may be in marketing.
A career represents a journey of self-discovery and growth, whereas a job is simply a position that needs to be filled. A career allows someone to develop their skills and knowledge over time, and to progress in their chosen field. A job is usually more limited in scope and doesn’t usually offer the same development opportunities.
A career can be rewarding and satisfying and can provide a sense of purpose and meaning. A job may also be satisfying, but it is usually not as long-term or as fulfilling as a career.
How do I prepare for my chosen career?
Are you thinking about a career change but not sure how to go about it? There are a few key things you can do to prepare yourself for making the switch. Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Research your chosen field.
If you’re thinking about changing careers, it’s important to research the field you’re interested in. This will help you learn about the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, what the job market looks like, and what you can expect in terms of job satisfaction and earnings potential. Use the internet, books, and people you know who are already working in your chosen field to learn as much as you can.
2. Consider going back to school.
In many cases, changing careers will require going back to school to get the necessary education and training. If this is the case for you, it’s important to research your options and make a plan for how you’ll finance your schooling. You may be able to get financial aid or take out loans, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you make any decisions.
3. Get some experience.
If possible, try to get some experience in your chosen field before making the switch. This can help you confirm that this is the right career for you and give you a leg up when you’re ready to make the switch. You may be able to volunteer, intern, or even land a part-time job in your desired field.
4. Make a plan.
Once you’ve done your research and you’re sure a career change is right for you, it’s time to make a plan. This should include both short-term and long-term goals. For example, your short-term goal may be to enroll in a training program, while your long-term goal may be to get a job in your chosen field. By setting goals, you’ll have a better idea of what you need to do to make your career change a reality.
Making a career change can be a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By taking the time to research your options and make a plan, you can make the transition smoothly and successfully.
Joan Seifert es una educadora experimentada con más de 10 años de experiencia en enseñanza/educación. Con una profunda pasión por capacitar a los estudiantes de todas las edades y orígenes, ha dedicado su carrera a crear entornos de aprendizaje innovadores que fomenten el crecimiento personal, el pensamiento crítico y el éxito académico.
Ha sido reconocida por innumerables publicaciones o contribuciones a blogs educativos. También es una oradora, consultora y mentora solicitada que ha ayudado a innumerables educadores, estudiantes y organizaciones a alcanzar sus objetivos.
Ella cree que el aprendizaje debe ser una búsqueda de por vida, y está comprometida a inspirar a otros a abrazar el poder de la educación para transformar vidas y comunidades.