Trends in Educational Access

Not every student wants or should pursue a traditional four-year degree. AND not every student wants or should pursue a credential. Who decides is what’s top of mind? Is it the student? 👀👀 Or is it school accountability metrics? Counselors? Parents? Funders? Etc. Lately, as I've engaged with schools and organizations across over multiple states, a significant trend has caught my attention in the discourse around post-secondary pathways: a noticeable emphasis on Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Industry-Based Credentials (IBCs), and less of a focus on robust university/college access preparation. Now, let me be unequivocally clear: the skilled trades – whether it's HVAC, welding, electrical work, or any other vital CTE pathway – offer incredible opportunities and can be a right now fit for a lot of students. And institutions have a lot of work to do around being “student ready”. However, my observations have sparked some critical questions: 1️⃣ CTE Over College Access? I'm seeing a significant amount of resources and focus directed towards CTE and IBC training. While valuable, is there equal funding, support and guidance for students aspiring to attend universities? Are we creating a truly balanced approach? 2️⃣ Who is Being "Placed"? It's hard to ignore a pattern I've observed: the majority of students being steered towards these non-college pathways often look like me. This raises serious concerns for me about who is being presented with which opportunities and why. Given some students are “placed” on pathways in 9th grade👀 3️⃣ Graduation Accountability: The emphasis on CTE requirements for graduation, sometimes with a lesser focus on college entrance exams like the ACT/SAT, suggests a potential shift in priorities. How does this impact students with aspirations for higher education? 4️⃣ The "College Isn't Worth It" Narrative: The rising cost of college is a valid concern, and the narrative that it's "not worth it" is gaining traction. But this begs the question: who is it still worth it for? And crucially, who currently has the means to afford it? Are we inadvertently limiting opportunities for certain students based on this narrative? 5️⃣ The Bachelor's Degree Still Matters: My recent scan of job postings across various sectors reveals that a Bachelor's degree remains a fundamental requirement for positions across sectors. While credentials are valuable, the assertion that they will universally replace degrees in the near future seems premature. I firmly believe in empowering all students with different pathways to success. My concern lies in ensuring advising, parent engagement, access to information, resources, and preparation for all post-secondary options, whether that's pursuing a skilled trade, earning an industry credential, or attending a university. I'm eager to connect with anyone passionate about this critical discussion. Let's engage in a healthy debate. Respectful dialogue and comments only, please!

The world of higher education is shifting, and Ena Hull is at the forefront of redefining what it means to prepare students for the workforce. With over 20 years of experience in vocational and trade education, Ena has a keen eye for industry trends, workforce development, and the evolving needs of learners. She has witnessed rising costs, student debts, and declines in enrollment. And she has worked with some of the largest allied healthcare and nursing school organizations in the country. Her perspective is that higher education is no longer driven by policy and instead it’s driven by market demand. Students are choosing skills-based training, micro-credentials, and hands-on learning over traditional degree programs. Employers are also shifting their hiring practices, with many major companies dropping degree requirements in favor of real-world experience and certifications. She believes that the value of a college degree is evolving rather than diminishing. Her message is that students should focus on employable skills, explore alternative education paths, and take the time to find their passion before taking on unnecessary debt. Whether that’s a gap year, part-time jobs, or internships to gain practical experience, she believes there are so many new pathways to career success. Ena Hull is not just discussing these trends—she’s shaping them. Read more about her insights here: https://lnkd.in/dNcNR7QR

🤔💡 Which education topics are on the rise in 2024? Forbes Here are 6 trends rippling through #K12education right now that educators, parents, and policymakers would do well to understand. 1) The Rise of #homeschooling 🏠 It's not news that homeschooling has grown since the start of the pandemic and diversified even more. The news is that the growth is proving much stickier than people originally expected it to be. 2) Parent Power 👪 More families are also choosing other alternative forms of schooling, such as private schools, charter schools, virtual schools, microschools, and a variety of hybrid homeschooling arrangements in which parents are stitching together their child’s schooling from a range of options.They are also exerting themselves within schools by advocating for changes in curriculum and instruction. 3) Education Savings Accounts 💰 Education savings accounts (#ESAs) continue to grow—with 13 states now having such policies. Unlike school vouchers, which families either use or lose, ESAs provide funds they can spend on a wide range of educational services. This incentivizes families to shop for value until they find the right service for their child as they can spend the dollars across school tuition, online courses, and even equine therapy. This flexibility has introduced debate about accountability. 4) Challenges for Traditional School Districts 🏫 Given this context, many traditional #schooldistricts are losing students, particularly in urban and high-poverty districts, to other schools. Behind many of these struggles is a one-size-fits-all mindset that clashes with parents’ desires for customized supports and models that ensure their child progresses.What should schools do? Create autonomous educational offerings where they can lean into the drive for customization and rethink schooling. 5) Portrait of a Graduate and Rethinking Assessment 💭 More states are creating portraits of a graduate—what they believe students should know and be able to do upon graduation. These measures are broader than traditional academic standards but aren’t backed by #assessments that verify the competencies underlying them. That’s creating a window for The Carnegie Foundation in partnership with ETS, New Meridian, Schoolhouse.world, and others to rethink assessment. 6) CTE For All 🎓 There is a growing realization that the “#college-for-all” movement has not served all students well. Non-completion and oppressive debt are all too common. There is a shift towards bringing back career technical education (CTE). But it can’t repeat the mistakes of vocational education, which was often a tracked system based on race. Instead, all students should experience meaningful work-based learning in middle and high school so they can learn about different career options and understand the best paths to reaching their career goals.