Question 20
What is the difference between School-to-Careers or School-to-Work and
Academies? Do the differences include curriculum and if yes, how?
STW Wizard Strategies
Strategy 1
STC (school-to-careers) and STW (school-to-work) are different terms
we use to refer to the same concept - an educational reform initiative that
involves system change. The systems change revolves around connecting what
is learned in school to what is learned in the workplace, and provides extensive
career exploration and hands-on, real world experience to prepare for a
future career.
Academies is a model program that deals with career planning and developing
learning around career interest areas. Strategies for the development of
an academy WILL require curriculum changes. In academies the teaching and
curriculum is more contextual.
Strategy 2
This question is a bit confusing, because the person is asking for differences
between School-to-Work (STW) and Career Academies. I'd like to point out
that academies are only one implementation strategy that can be used to
address the goals and concepts of STW. Keep in mind that STW can be looked
at as the big "umbrella" that covers and includes many methods
and strategies, including things like academies, youth apprenticeship, Tech
Prep, restructured vocational education, youth entrenuership, etc.
That's the beauty of STW--there are many strategies that can be used,
it's up to the local partnership to determine what will work best in a particular
area.
Two of my favorite resources to learn about how different strategies
were implemented are:
- Home-Grown Lessons: Innovative Programs Linking Work and High School
- Learning Through Work: Designing and Implementing Quality Worksite
learning for High School Students.
Originally published in 1994, both books are available through Manpower
Demonstration Research Corporation at: http://www.mdrc.org/
and also through Jobs For The Future at: http://www.jff.org/
These organizations have other resources on this subject available for
purchase, including more recent publications.
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