News From the Field

Schools can’t afford to lose any more Black male educators

Just 7 percent of America’s public school teachers were Black during the 2017-18 school year, while Black students make up 15 percent of the student population, according to the most recently available data from the National Center for Education Statistics.

The path to a career could start in middle school

Preparing students for a changing workforce is one of the goals behind a movement to get kids thinking about their career plans at a younger age. A growing number of states and school districts now require students to take career exploration classes in middle school.

Young adults with degrees say they need more real-world training

Individuals with degrees often find their education failed to prepare them for the realities of the workforce, according to Nov. 15 survey results from Multiverse. A majority of young adults with degrees said real-world workforce training is the most important element to preparing for a career. But that factor is missing from many higher education programs, they said.

California community colleges eye a different future amid pandemic disruption

Enrollment at California’s community colleges has dropped to its lowest level in 30 years, new data show. The stark decline has educators scrambling to find ways to meet the changing needs of students who may be questioning the value of higher education as they emerge from the harsh pandemic years.

‘Work-based learning is one of the fastest waves to catch right now’

In September, the federal government launched the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, a national network of more than 200 stakeholders who are committed to strengthening and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. In announcing the initiative, the current administration stated, “The Apprenticeship Ambassadors have existing Registered Apprenticeship programs in over 40 in-demand industries and have committed to expand and diversify these programs over the next year.”

School psychologist, counselor hiring lags nationwide even as student mental health needs soar

Despite an influx of COVID-19 relief money, school districts across the country have struggled to staff up to address students’ mental health needs that have only grown since the pandemic hit.

High school apprenticeships address a skilled worker shortage in South Carolina

Apprenticeship Carolina works with more than 1,000 employers on apprenticeship programs for both adults and youth and is working with hundreds more prospective companies.

Amy Firestone, vice president of Apprenticeship Carolina, says while high school apprenticeships in South Carolina have been successful for years, some employers are now taking a second look at them.

Studies show wider variation in student performance than before pandemic

Differences in test results between high- and low-achieving students suggest teachers are likely supporting a wider range of academic needs.

Staffed Up: 7 tips to keep in mind when forming a registered teacher apprenticeship

As the registered apprenticeship model gains steam for addressing teacher shortages, experts suggest strategies for successful development.