Educational Insights: May 5, 2008
May 05, 2008
PODCAST:
4/21/08
PODCAST:
4/28/08
All across the country, it is the season for diplomas, gowns, and cake: graduation time is here! It represents a time of long awaited excitement for many and brings anticipation of new horizons. One way Webster defines graduation is “to pass from one stage of experience, proficiency, or prestige to a higher one.” In order to move up, one must move forward. Graduation is a time of moving forward and taking the lessons one has learned with them. However, simply getting a diploma does not always guarantee prosperity for a graduate.
“You can lead a boy to college but you can’t make him think.”
-Elbert Hubbard
Dedication, goal-setting, and hard work produce results. No doubt, the world awaits the great potential of these young graduates. However, the 21st century workforce is experiencing unprecedented transformation. According to the 2008 spring ACT publication, Activity:
- Experts estimate by 2020, one in three workers will be 50 or older.
- One third of today’s workforce is set to retire by the end of this decade.
- A recent employer survey revealed today’s workforce is “woefully ill prepared” for workforce demands.
- Skills developed early in a worker’s career may quickly become obsolete, given the pace of technological changes and global influences.
Many of today’s employers are taking a different approach to ensure they hire, train, and promote the best employees. Young people seeking employment in today’s job market will need to be highly adaptable and incredible problem-solvers. Much of traditional schooling must take a back seat to 21st century educational practices! Innovation, teamwork, and flexibility are lifelong skills these graduates will be required to produce as adults.
Garden County Schools readily accept our responsibility to give these graduates the best shot they have at maximizing their potential. The Garden County senior class of 2008 is an exceptional group of students; their achievement is well-noted. Undoubtedly, we will greatly miss their leadership in and contribution to this community. Our best wishes go with them to fulfill their dreams. We only hope some will eventually find their way back to this place they can always call home: Garden County!
PLEASE NOTE: We are working on compiling a current alumni list serve. We are asking all alumni and related parties check the school's web site (http://www.gardencountyschools.org) to see if the email listed for them is correct. If an email address needs to be updated or included, please contact Julie Jorgensen: juliej@panesu.org. Send the following information: full name, the school graduated from with the year of graduation, and a current email address.
-Dr. Paula Sissel,
Superintendent/Elementary Principal
