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solving, effective written and oral communication, basic applied math, techni-
cal skills, customer service skills, financial management, budgeting, and the
ability to work on a team. Business acumen—the ability to make good deci-
sions in an uncertain environment—is especially important within the health
care field where employees must navigate a continuously changing regulatory
environment.
A number of speakers suggested that many 21st century skills, some of
which are difficult to teach through traditional curricula, can be fostered and
practiced through project-based and experiential learning. To that end, many
speakers encouraged the expansion of project-based learning throughout
K–14 curriculum. Also important are opportunities to engage with commu-
nity groups and businesses through activities that provide students real-world
learning experiences. The table on page 12 represents 21st century skills as
presented by various speakers.
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, WAGES, AND POVERTY
Though higher educational attainment does not always result in higher earn-
ings for each individual, the link between education and employment and
income is evident at the aggregate level. The chart below, based on national
Walla Walla Public Schools SEA-Tech
students working on a robot. Photo
courtesy of Walla Walla Public Schools.
EARNINGS AND UNEMPLOYMENT RATES AND EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Unemployment rate in 2014 (%)
Median weekly earnings in 2014 ($)
2.1
1.9
2.8
3.5
4.5
6.0
6.0
9.0
All workers: 5%
Note: Data are for persons age 25 and over. Earnings are for full-time wage and salary workers.
Source: Current Population Survey, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor
All workers: $839
Doctoral degree
Professional degree
Master’s degree
Bachelor’s degree
Associate’s degree
High school diploma
Some college,
no degree
Less than a high
school diploma
1,591
1,639
1,326
1,101
792
741
668
488
—Continued from page 11