Focus Area:
Career and College Readiness

Amidst the evolving landscape of education, educators nationwide are actively reshaping career pathways, especially considering the changing demands brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. The disruption prompted a reevaluation of traditional models, leading to a surge in efforts to provide diverse learning opportunities that can prepare students for both careers and college. Notably, the pandemic increased demand for practical skills that students can apply in the workforce, accelerating the shift away from historical vocational program limitations.

As schools navigated the challenges posed by Covid-19, the focus on remote and hybrid learning underscored the need for adaptable and versatile skill sets. This context has further fueled the urgency to infuse secondary education with relevant, real-world skills.

Our ongoing work at CRPE not only explores the practitioner experience of reimagining the high school-to-career continuum, but also considers the implications of the pandemic on education. Against this backdrop, we:

• address critical questions such as the gaps in current methods of preparing students for life after high school, especially those with disabilities
• investigate how schools are actively reimagining the high school-to-career continuum, examining experimental models that have emerged in response to the shifting educational landscape
• delve into state policies that support high-quality and accessible secondary work-based learning and relevant career training, recognizing the imperative for adaptability in education post-pandemic.