RE: Question 2: Integrating Career Preparation

Absolutely I believe that career preparation should be included for all students.  Applied academics are one of the best ways for us to prepare students to enter the world of work.  The more that we can create "real world" experiences for students, and focus on relevancy, the more that long lasting learning will occur.   "Real world" applications can be included in all curricula, and most specifically in the core academic areas.  This does not require a change in the standards-based curriculum. But rather an awareness of how instructional strategies can be focused to provide the linkage to the world of work.  For example, writing skills is certainly an important part of our curriculum.  To connect the writing exercise to the "real world" it may include technical writing, or it may involve preparing a proposal for a local business.    

To prepare teachers to implement "real world" applications within the context of standards-based curriculum, they need to experience it themselves.  In El Dorado County we have implemented the School to Career program by having teachers participate in business internships during times when school is not in session.  The benefits to the educators having included:
 
·	A broader knowledge of work environments to connect curriculum to the workplace.
·	Gaining a realistic application of contextual learning.
·	Seeing real results and motivation from a wider range of students
·	Building a relationship with businesses and the community.
·	Gaining an increased level of support for schools from business and labor organizations.

Many educators have attended school almost their entire lives, and may not have worked outside the field of education, other than to earn supplementary income while attending school.  Structuring business internships for educators allows for a greater connection between business and education to make learning relevant to achieving career success.  The internships also provide an opportunity for educators to work in local businesses and to develop lesson plans that will connect the classroom to the workplace.  Teachers are also more prepared to answer the question from a student, "Why do I need to know this?" After having the first hand experience of being in a particular business for a period of time, teachers have often remarked to students on the specific connection and relevance of a skill being taught and how it is used in a particular business.