Workforce Readiness

Janet Ware | 10/1/2007

At the CHOICE Information Technology Institute, high schoolers earn college credits and professional certifications [Photo: Ray Stanyard]

Florida is serious about growing a well-educated workforce, and recent developments are the proof. At all levels, Florida’s educational system is working hard to prepare the next generation of workers for the challenges and opportunities they will face.

Getting the Jump on Careers

Florida lawmakers have given the green light to making sure that all Florida high school students receive the kind of rigorous, relevant education that is most responsive to business needs and which will translate into jobs following graduation.

Signed into law by Gov. Charlie Crist in July 2007, the Florida Career and Professional Education Act requires every school district in Florida to:

• Develop a five-year strategic plan to address emerging labor market needs with appropriate coursework and industry certifications by June 2008
• Have at least one career and professional academy operational by the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year

At A Glance: Florida Education
Public Schools (K-12)	3,687
Average Teacher Salary (K-12)	$45,296
Pre-K-12 Enrollment	2,662,701
Pre-K-12 Per-Student State & Local Funding	$6,850
State Universities	11
Community Colleges	28
Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF)	28
Non-Public Postsecondary Schools (including technical & trade schools)	786
Public Technical & Trade Schools	47

While these new requirements may sound like a tall order, it’s not as if most Florida school districts will be starting from scratch; career education has long been an integral component of Florida’s education system. For example, the A++ Plan, which takes effect at Florida schools in fall 2007, calls for increased emphasis on career planning and related coursework at the middle and high school levels, as well as tougher reading and mathematics requirements for all.

In addition, high school students must earn at least four of their eight elective credits in a Major Area of Interest such as a career and technical program or academic content area. Beginning in 2011, Florida high school diplomas will show a specific major, not as a certificate of mastery but as a visible indication of a higher-than-average level of expertise in a particular subject or skill such as culinary arts or computer programming.

And many Florida high schools already offer career academies — small-group learning opportunities in which students receive firsthand exposure to a particular career field.

Taking it up a notch

The Florida Career and Professional Education Act takes workforce preparation to a new level by ensuring that core courses are specifically designed to address emerging academic and labor market needs and to meet the requirements for industry standards. In addition, career and professional academies have new muscle. The curriculum they offer must now be industry-specific and aligned directly to a priority workforce need as identified by the regional workforce board. Students who complete the rigorous academic curriculum offered at career and professional academies receive a standard high school diploma, the highest available industry certification and opportunities to earn postsecondary credit.

Tags: North Central, Education, Business Florida