EDUCATION+FOR+LIFE

=TRANSITION FROM SCHOOL TO ADULTHOOD: EDUCATION FOR LIFE=

There is a strong need to provide a better transition between adolescence and adult life. The assumption that students will just know or will acquire life skills has resulted in missed opportunities to provide a multi-dimensional education. Programs are created to engage parents and community members. We constantly seek meaningful ways of bringing them into the life of our schools yet future parents and community members sit in our classrooms every day. Opportunities must be created to provide the skills that will allow our students to be advocates and decision-makers in a society that values education.

Adolescents must receive an education that combines the academic readiness necessary for college-level study with appropriate life skills. If students are able to proceed through high school in an academically challenging environment aligned with the realities of adulthood, we increase their chances of graduation. With such schooling, society has provided its students with a skill set that sets the stage for important contributions. This requires broad thinking as well as flexible and creative approaches.

Life Skills
We advocate on the training and education of our students in the indicated areas. While we insist on such training and education for the parents of our students, providing this education to adolescents can create a culture of preparation and empowerment.
 * Parent Education
 * Public Speaking and Leadership
 * Financial Literacy
 * Operations of Daily Living
 * Nutrition and Exercise
 * Living GREEN
 * Apprenticeship Program: computer technology, construction, automotive

Programs in parent education, public speaking and leadership, and financial literacy acknowledge the roles and responsibilites of adults in our society. Programs would also include preparing adolescents to be self-sufficient through culinary classes, home maintenance projects, and time management workshops, and seminars on living independently as well as in community. The programs in nutrition and exercise and living GREEN acknowledge the need for personal responsibility and decision-making in creating healthy lifestyles that respects our planet and its resources.

Broadening Horizons
In order to broaden the horizons of emerging youth, we recommend that students have the opportunity to study in a different setting for a period of time--whether a month, semester, or year. The settings can vary from live-in study in another country to study in other districts or schools. We look forward in particular to inner city and rural districts forming partnerships with suburban districts for this purpose.

Apprenticeship Program
Students in the apprenticeship program will receive a hands-on education from an adult practicing in their interested field. This adult serves as teacher and mentor. Under the guidance of their teachers, students are expected to participate, initiate and develop appropriate projects. The apprenticeship will last one calendar year during which time students continue their academic course work.

Early College
Many high school students find the high school experience stifling. Some are academically advanced and want to directly pursue college experiences. Early College represent one such avenue in which students take college work. We advocate for a variety of approaches that encompass Advanced Placement courses, online learning, "Middle Colleges" where students simultaneously enroll in high school and college, and waived graduation requirements for students who wish to attend only college but use their college work to gain graduation status.

Implications

 * Professional Development opportunities must be secured for teachers and school leaders.
 * Community partnerships and incentives is essential in developing and maintaining the apprenticeship program.
 * Assessment and evaluation devices must inform decisions surrounding the provision and continuation of these programs.