| As we
enter the 21st Century, the workplace is facing
rapidly changing needs and a complexity of issues Inherent in these changes. It has never
been more critical for communities to work together for common goals. Redesigning how
schools operate requires a long term commitment on the part of school personnel, school
board members, parents, community organizations and agencies. Over the last
8 years,
Irvine's School-To-Career Opportunities (SCO) systems change efforts have paved the way
for a focus on career pathway programming. The Irvine SCO is
committed to the design and implementation of comprehensive career development programming
K-12. Career Link is the operational component of the Irvine SCO bringing public and
private sectors together to work toward the common goal of preparing student to
successfully compete in the global economy of the 21st' century. Throughout the many
steering committees and work groups, representatives meet, plan, implement and evaluate
activities. Partnering agencies include:
This effort is funded by local, state, and federal sources as well as
corporate donations, in-kind support and private foundation dollars. In an era of growing
demand and diminishing revenue, the services and resources realized as a result of these
partnerships have made significant contributions to the Irvine Unified School District.
A major emphasis of the Irvine SCO is the applied academics element. The
curriculum integrates academic, career development and technological disciplines to
address workplace essentials. Articulation between IUSD teachers and IVC instructors has
lead to over 40 curriculum articulation agreements which will provide college credit and
advanced placement for students planning to participate in identified IVC certificate
programs. It also aids student mastery of core knowledge and skills, builds continuity
between school and real life experiences, and assures a relevant sequence of career
development opportunities. This process is essential to guarantee unduplicated course
work, progressive achievement leading to competence, and the ability to successfully
compete in the workforce of the future.
In addition, through business partnerships students are provided
opportunities to participate in numerous work-based and school-based activities including:
classroom speakers, job site visitations, job shadowing, internships, and performance
assessments. These experiences promote a strategic career planning process where students
are better prepared to design a post secondary training and education plan which may
include: college major selection, technology training needs, career skill development
needs, and potential career options.
Ultimately, our mission builds individual student responsibility and
enhances critical skills for the work place. It essential that the Irvine Community
continue to focus efforts on a comprehensive career development program to ensure access
to high wage, high skill employment opportunities for our students and an understanding of
the importance of life long learning as it relates to global citizenship. |
