APPLIED ACADEMICS NEWSWIRE
Volume # II No. 14
April 14, 2000
Helping educators to bring the real world into the classroom

In this issue...

WHAT’S INSIDE:

1. JUST THE FACTS MA’AM

As part of the 4 year initiative to fund the Center for Applied Academics, the Ministry of Education contracted an independent evaluation of the initiative. You can own your very own copy by emailing Scott MacDonald at Scott.MacDonald@gov.bc.ca

Until your personal volume arrives, ponder these interesting educational nuggets…

• When polled, students who had taken Applied Academics courses were more satisfied about the courses they had completed in high school and in their academic achievement, than were students who had not taken Applied Academics courses (82% compared to 58%).

• Students who had taken Applied Academics courses were more likely to be satisfied with their preparation for post-secondary studies and employment, or with their career plans than were their peers who had not enrolled in Applied courses (55% compared to 41%).

• When the class of ’98 was polled, 66% of those graduating from Applied Academics courses and 63% of the non-Applied course respondents had pursued some education since leaving school. At the time of polling, 61% of the Applied course graduates and 54% of the non-Applied course graduates were currently enrolled in a course of study.

• 65% of the Applied course graduates polled in the class of ’98 expressed satisfaction with their employment, while 8% of this group expressed dissatisfaction. 52 % of their non-Applied course peers were satisfied with their work and 15% stated that they were dissatisfied.

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2. GET A JOB!

Most parents are relieved when their son or daughter finally lands a part-time job. After all, could the discipline and experience of a part-time job be detrimental? Actually, yes.

Working has a cost and sometimes that cost is large. Studies show that on average students spend 15-20 hours a week working. Although some students can successfully juggle the demands of academics, extra-curriculars and work, many cannot. Homework is often incomplete, grades are suffer, and easier courses are chosen to accommodate the busy schedule. Students love the extra money, but quickly develop spending habits that make it difficult to quit, reduce hours or devote time to other activities. Student jobs are usually entry level positions in the service sector, and rarely expose the student to experience related to their career goals.

So what are the alternatives? Parents should help students find jobs that are related to the student’s passions, interests and goals. Volunteer work offers all of the character developing benefits of paid employment, but can provide unique career exploration experiences. Students should consider Career Programs that comprise work experience components. Co-op placements and volunteer work are perfect opportunities to make valuable contacts that can lead to positive part-time work. Ponder it as you read at www.calltoparents.org/articles.html.

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3. HOUSED UNDER A NEW ROOF

Responsibility for Applied Academics subjects has returned to the Ministry of Education from its 4 year residence with the CFAA. We have now moved to our new home within the Curriculum Branch of the Ministry of Education. Check out our new contact info, and then drop by with a house warming gift. House plants are always nice.

AWAL can now be found at the Centre for Curriculum, Transfer & Technology at Suite 602, 510 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC,V6B 1L8. Their cyber address is now accessible through the new Applied Academics website. Give them a call at (604) 681-4590 or fax at (604) 681-4502.

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4) 15 MINUTES OF FAME

Andy Warhol is quoted as saying that "in the future, everyone will be famous for 15 minutes." Now is the chance to help your students start their 15 minutes, by nominating them for the Applied Academics Awards. This spring, the Ministry of Education, Career and Applied Programs Branch, will be honouring outstanding student projects from Applications of Math, Applications of Physics and Technical and Professional Communications classes. The purpose is to celebrate the creative energies of students who apply curriculum to solve real world problems. Email appliedacademics@islandnet.com for a nomination form and more details before the May 26th deadline.

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