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In
2001/2002, the high school dropout rate in the state of Delaware
was 6.2% or the equivalent of 2,119 students. One reason reported
by youth is that they see little connection between what they are
learning in school and how it will apply later in their life.
In fact, many educators believe most students would apply themselves
better if they had answers to the question, “Why do I have to learn
this – who uses it?” Business people are helping teachers address
this issue through a program called CHOICES. This two-hour seminar
emphasizes the importance of education and life decisions. Its purpose
is to encourage students to look more closely at their future by
stressing the connection between school and work, personal planning,
time management, and how academic decisions influence career consequences.
The presentation materials and visual aids are ready to use and
designed to motivate and engage eighth grade students. All that
is needed are volunteers from the business community who will take
a few hours of their time each year to make a difference in the
lives of Delaware youth.
CHOICES requires two hours for training (this can be done at your
place of work) and two hours to present the program at a local school
(one each on two consecutive days). CHOICES requires a total
annual commitment of four to five hours.
CHOICES is administered by the Business/Industry/Education (BIE)
Alliance. BIE was created in 1982 to bridge the gap between educators,
employers and the communities they serve. BIE programs were developed
with the hope that students will begin making a connection between
what they are learning in school and how it will help them to be
successful in life. This cannot happen without the support of
the employers who may be hiring these students in the future.
BIE believes that businesspersons must have a presence in schools
in order to demonstrate career opportunities and the skills required
to take advantage of those opportunities. For more information,
call (302) 831-3102.
Article
submitted by RJ Lucciotti, University of Delaware’s Office For School-To-Work.
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