Paul Nichols, MS, CDFVASS President/CEO

“Career Development will Drive School Reform”

2014 VCDA Conference

Paul Nichols

I. Review of the forces changing K-12 Education in a

Global Society

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Growth of Data

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Development of Robotics

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3-D Printing

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Artificial Intelligence

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What’s Happening in Education?

MOOCS: Massive Open Online Courses

Smart Beginnings VASS

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Have you seen the educational data for STEM?

“3.8 Million STEM jobs available today in

USA.”

Mr. Paul Nichols

II. Where the Jobs Are:

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Where Jobs Are In the USA :

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Where Jobs Are In Virginia :

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Unemployment Rates :

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What do US Students Want To Do?

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Consider our International Competition

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The Importance of Expansion and Sustainability

Sustained economic development= investment in people(Knowledge and skills). No economy can succeed without a high-quality workforce, particularly in an age of globalization and

technical change.

2015 2020

Skilled can be defined as graduation from high school with demonstrated competency in rigorous math, science, and communication skills. Success with SOL focused classes and minimum graduation requirements is proving to be insufficient for college or careers. VASS works with schools to shift focus from minimum competencies to advanced academics (AP classes) in STEM related subjects.

Mr. Paul Nichols

III. What Is Happening in Higher Education?

• Cost of University Is Far Outpacing Inflation• College Debt Approaching 1 Trillion Dollars• Nearly 60% of Students Require Remediation• Over 70% of Students in Remediation Drop

Out or Change Majors. • In 2013 - Students with Skill Certification or

Associate Degrees Got Higher Paying Jobs than Students with Bachelors Degrees

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Higher Ed Facts

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Things learned with RMEP

• High School graduates need to be prepared for career and college.

• Businesses see the need to begin recruiting students in high school.

• Liberal Arts graduates are not finding jobs without more skill training.

• Comprehensive Career Development is necessary K-12 and beyond.

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Things learned with RMEP

• Math and Science is more critical than before.• Development of Math Gap Analysis:

– Conducted DACUM analysis for practical applications

– Early math academics are very important – There are advanced math skills necessary for entry

level technician jobs • Students need math throughout 12th grade.

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Things learned with RMEP

• Parents and Community Partnerships are needed to reinforce the academic and skill development.

• Technologies are more and more available to support student learning:– Mari Personal Learning Platform

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New Requirements for Standard Diploma.

Paul Nichols

IV. What Should Students Do?

• Comprehensive Career Development Planning• Plan for Career and College Success• Strengthen Math, Science, and English Skills

• “Credentials Don’t Count, Skills Count” – Wagner

• Average is Over• Its Your Life, Design It.

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What Should Students Do?

• Do Career Research– Online Interest Inventories– Virginia Wizard– VMA’s Dream-It Do-It

• Begin a Resume and/or Career Portfolio• Develop Your Soft Skills

– This includes careful attention to Social Media

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What are the options for Career Development?

Paul Nichols

For more information contact:

paulnichols@svhec.orgOr

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