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Career education classes—they were previously often regarded as the non-academic, less important tracts in high school. While it was accepted that someone had to learn and work in trades, neither those students nor career goals were celebrated like others. Now, though, school leaders and communities have a better understanding of the purpose and potential of offering career-connected education.

From teaching students durable skills that can be applied to any college or career environment to helping kids envision a successful future, an effective career program can improve student attention and enthusiasm for learning. During the edLeader Panel “Career-Connected Learning: Implementing a Comprehensive Model to Maximize Postsecondary Readiness for All Students,” experts with decades of experience outlined six essential components to launching an effective program.

1. Work on aligning internal and external stakeholders at the same time.

Whether developing a new program or improving existing pathways, administrators should be working with both their staff and with the local community. That’s because in order to have credible plans for what career education should look like, schools need to know what the business sector needs.

Superintendents should talk to local chambers of commerce, industry associations, and business owners to find out what skills they need from their future workforce, what their expectations are for interns and entry-level workers, any relevant trends, etc. Thus, teams can create classes and pathways with direct correlation to the real world.

2. Develop partnerships across the community.

Of course, a strong career program in high school requires opportunities for students to do co-ops and internships with local businesses. In addition to getting feedback on what skills are needed, school leaders and counselors should be working with the community to develop these opportunities.

Businesses will need guidance on how these positions work, expectations from the school, and expectations from the students, among other things. Everyone involved, including the teachers, needs to have a continuous dialogue flowing. As important, schools should involve students and their families, educating them on how co-ops and internships work, the expectations, and the goals. Clear communication and strong relationships on all sides set students up for success.

3. Introduce the idea of career education as early as possible.

While students in elementary and middle school aren’t ready for internships or to pick a career pathway yet, they are ready to learn about the value of career-connected education. With the grades 1-5, this could be regular career fairs and demonstrations with both the high school CTE teachers as well as the representatives from the business community.

Once students reach middle school, they should be participating in some hands-on work and have opportunities to observe the classes. The goal is to lengthen the runway to high school so that students understand the power of a career education program and are excited about the possibilities.

4. Give your teachers the knowledge and training they need to succeed.

Qualified teachers are one of the most common barriers to a strong career education program. Some CTE teachers come directly from the industry and have little pedagogical training. Many states and communities have pathways for non-traditional teaching candidates, and schools need a plan in place to provide support for those changing careers.

On the other hand, classroom teachers might not be current on the skills that employers require. Thus, they will need professional development on these skills and how to incorporate them into their classrooms.

5. Cultivate a strong counseling team.

Academic counselors are the backbone of career education programs. They have to understand the dual nature of both the school culture and the business world. They are in constant communication with everyone, from the students and families to the work supervisors. Counselors can not only advise students on potential pathways but also help schools make adjustments as the businesses’ needs change.

6. Celebrate all successes.

While the stigma around career education has evolved, schools still need to make sure that teachers, parents, students, and the community see and celebrate the wins. Invite parents to see the program in action. Publish stories about student successes in class and the community. Have former students come back to share their experiences.

Career education isn’t about students choosing career over college; it’s not about putting limitations on them. It’s about preparing them for whatever path they choose—college, career, both—in whatever order works best for them. Through career education, schools are creating lifelong learners who understand the value of every form of education.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Career-Connected Learning: Implementing a Comprehensive Model to Maximize Postsecondary Readiness for All Students, sponsored by Edmentum.

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Article by Stacey Pusey, based on this edLeader Panel