#USA #Bloomington #Edmentum Career #Career-Connected Learning #CTE Innovation

Edmentum Launches Innovative Career Program to Connect Learning with Real-Life Opportunities

In a significant move toward enhancing educational quality, Edmentum has unveiled its latest initiative named Edmentum Career, aimed primarily at middle school students. This program is designed to forge a stronger link between academic learning and real-world careers, thereby improving postsecondary success and workforce readiness. As one of the foremost providers of digital curriculum and learning interventions across the K-12 spectrum, Edmentum serves nearly 6 million students nationwide.

Building a Bridge to the Future

The Edmentum Career program introduces a comprehensive suite of career and technical education (CTE) courses tailored for students in grades 6-12. This expanse of learning prepares students for various high-demand industries with over 57 online pathways available across essential fields. The shift toward a career-connected learning (CCL) approach is spurred by recent policies enacted by 47 states in 2023. These policies promote invested efforts into workplace learning and revised high school diploma requirements, signaling a nationwide evolution in how educational curricula are structured.

Jamie Candee, CEO of Edmentum, emphasized the importance of this paradigm shift, noting, "For too long, career and technical education has been relegated to the margins of the K-12 discussion. Fortunately, with bipartisan support... that is beginning to change." Research consistently highlights the positive correlation between CTE participation and outcomes like high school graduation rates and college readiness.

Comprehensive Learning Pathways and Unique Exploration

Edmentum Career is structured to engage students from an early age, initiating a journey of self-discovery and career exploration as early as middle school. Once a system designed primarily for non-college tracks, the current CTE framework is rapidly evolving. The new structure emphasizes the importance of discovering personal interests, exploring career options, and developing essential skills.

Starting in Grade 6, students undertake interest surveys that help them identify their unique preferences. By Grade 7, they delve into exploring various college and career options, paving the way for more focused studies in Grade 8, where they can choose subjects such as business, engineering, and health sciences. This progressive learning strategy promotes the acquisition of essential skills critical to high-impact career sectors, including problem-solving, communication, and leadership.

Moreover, Edmentum’s extensive curriculum encompasses over 180 online courses aligned with 14 nationally recognized Career Clusters. This robust offering is rooted in preparing students for relevant industry certifications while ensuring alignment with their high school diploma achievements.

Workforce Readiness Through Real-World Experience

A vital component of the Edmentum Career program is the capstone project, which aids students in transitioning their learning into meaningful workplace experiences. As students connect classroom lessons to real-world applications, they cultivate the necessary skills for internships and future employment opportunities.

According to Tim Taylor, co-founder of America Succeeds, "Durable skills are essential for success in both school and the workplace." Edmentum’s collaboration with America Succeeds incorporates these critical skills into courses, ensuring students are equipped for the careers they aspire to pursue.

Overcoming Barriers to Access

Despite the promise of the Edmentum Career initiative, barriers such as limited teacher capacity have been significant hurdles. Edmentum addresses this challenge by offering instructional coaching to enhance existing programs and assist with the establishment of new ones. Additionally, the company provides flexibility by pairing districts with accredited instructors, enabling tailored instruction aligned with student needs.

The entire program adheres to national CTE pathway standards and state expectations, ensuring high-quality educational offerings that schools can tailor to local demands. Districts keen on implementing the Edmentum Career program can access more comprehensive details on Edmentum's website, setting the stage for the new academic year.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Ultimately, Edmentum believes that all students deserve the chance to thrive, regardless of their academic journey. By merging high-quality learning solutions with supported educators, Edmentum Career aims to alter the trajectory of countless students' lives, ensuring they are well-prepared for the worlds of tomorrow, whether that be in college, direct workforce entry, or a blend of both.