APPLIED ACADEMICS NEWSWIRE
Volume # II No. 17
May 29, 2000
Helping educators to bring the real world into the classroom

In this issue...

WHAT’S INSIDE:

1. GETTING THE LEG UP IN THE JOB MARKET

Chances are some young person that you know is about to face the classic frustration of entering the work world. You can’t get a job without experience, and you can’t get experience without a job. The key to helping students achieve career success is helping them clear this hurdle.

There are three outstanding opportunities that enable young people to connect their passions and interests with job experience. Together they give students the leg up in the job market.

1— Career Programs moves student learning out of the classroom and into the work place. They enhance the goal of career development by offering the opportunity to witness first hand a specific career pathway. Students gain the specific career and employment skills that employers require, while exploring various career options. Want more info? Check out www.bced.gov.bc.ca/careers/

2— Applied Academics brings the real world into the classroom. These courses link the curriculum and real world. Employers are asking that students not only know the content, but possess the ability to apply it to solve actual problems faced in the work world. By learning in context, the student is able to see how the curriculum is used in the careers to which they aspire.

3— There is no substitute for experience, and sometimes the best way to get that experience is to volunteer. Unfortunately, many young people will overlook a meaningful volunteer job in a career related field for a more lucrative position at McDonalds. In so doing, they sacrifice many of the benefits that volunteering offers.

The willingness to give freely of your time does more than just develop character. Volunteering lets the student develop skills and experience that are often needed to get a foot in the door. The volunteer has hands-on experience and proven skills that will make their resume worth a second look. Volunteer work also lets the student network with employers, employees, suppliers, customers and other volunteers. These career relevant contacts are invaluable when it comes time to finding employment. The volunteer also indicates a sincere interest and enthusiasm in the field.

Need more reasons to encourage a student to pursue volunteer opportunities? Send them to www.volunteer.ca/volworks!/eng/index.htm If you are trying to help youth get a leg up in the job market, then send them in a direction that will link their passions with the experience and skills employers demand.

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2. YOUR TIME IS RUNNING OUT

The clock is ticking and time is quickly running out to nominate a student for the Applied Academics Awards. The deadline has been extended and you now have until the 2nd of June to bring fame and fortune (okay…not really fortune) into the life of a deserving student or group of students. All you have to do is email appliedacademics@islandnet.com. for a nomination form. The categories are Applications of Math, Applications of Physics and TPC. No time to lose; write NOW!

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3. ROLLING UP YOUR SLEEVES FOR YOUR KIDS

There are few emotions greater than the parent’s love for their children. Seldom does a parent want anything but the very best education for their kids; however, often parents fail to recognize the importance of their role in their teen’s schooling. It is so easy for parents to back away from their educational involvement once their children reach the latter years of high school. Ironically, this is the time when it is needed the most.

So how does a loving parent roll up their sleeves and help with their child’s schooling? How can you be involved when your teen doesn’t always welcome your help?

BC students are required to take Career and Personal Planning and this provides unique opportunities for parents to help prepare their kids for the demands of the work place. Show your teen the skills that you use in your job. Explain your employer’s expectations. Offer to take your son or daughter to work as a job shadow.

Spend your time to make your local school stronger. Volunteer to help with school activities and extra-curriculars, or sit on a parents advisory committee. Let your children see that you value education enough to sacrifice your time. Actions speak much louder than words.

Talk with your teens about their classes, homework, projects, career goals and course selection. Studies have shown that they value your advice more than most parents believe.

Do you want more ideas about involving yourself in your children’s education? Start rolling up your sleeves and surf to www.calltoparents.org

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