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Summer 2016
5
CHALLENGES
RECOMMENDED
SOLUTIONS
Engagement.
Engagement, which
refers to an emotional commitment
to an organization and its goals, is es-
sential for success in school and in the
workplace.
Develop an educational culture
where students feel valued and
can pursue their interests and
develop their skills by creating
physically and emotionally safe
environments, expanding guid-
ance and mentoring programs,
and hiring staff and faculty that
reflect the ethnic and racial diver-
sity of the population.
Equity.
Gaps in educational attain-
ment and academic achievement that
are associated with race, ethnicity, gen-
der, and income harm our community
and perpetuate existing inequalities.
Reduce or eliminate differences
in educational attainment that
are associated with race, ethnic-
ity, gender, and income.
Skills.
21st century skills, such as criti-
cal thinking, problem solving, effective
communication, dependability, adapt-
ability, and the ability to work on a
team, are essential for success in school
and in the workplace.
Emphasize the importance of
21st century skills and enhance
their development by supporting
and expanding teaching strategies
and learning experiences that
promote them.
Educational attainment.
Jobs that
require postsecondary education make
up the largest part of the labor market
and tend to pay higher wages. Jobs
that do not require a postsecondary
degree increasingly pay low wages.
Increase educational attainment
in the region by developing
strategies to support completion
of degrees and credentials, and
reduce the financial barriers for
students seeking a postsecond-
ary degree or credential.
Exposure.
Students at all educational
levels need opportunities to engage
with businesses and community
organizations in order to cultivate their
interests, enhance their skills, and gain
valuable work experience.
Develop partnerships among
educational institutions, busi-
nesses, and community organi-
zations that create avenues for
students to engage in intern-
ships, mentorships, cooperative
learning experiences, and job
shadowing.
Study highlights