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Students Are Graduating High School
Unprepared For What Comes Next

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Many U.S. states have, or are in the process of, amending their requirements for high school graduation

Data is Leading the Shift in K-12

  • 45% of high school graduates do not feel prepared to make college or career decisions after graduation

    • Over half of high school students report a lack of direction, impacting their post-secondary decision-making

  • 85% of success and goal achievement comes from having well-developed 'soft' or 'durable skills'

    • These skills are our personal habits & traits that shape how we learn, work, grow, and interact with others

  • ​81% of employers report challenges in hiring qualified applicants due to lack of these skills

    • Communication and teamwork are the hardest skills to find, followed by critical thinking, and adaptability

K-12 Education Transformation

Schools and states are adopting a new set of standards outlined in what is known as a 'graduate profile’.

A graduate profile, also known as a Profile or Portrait of a Graduate, succinctly summarizes the knowledge, skills, and attributes students should possess upon graduation
 

As of December 2023, 17 states have adopted a 'Graduate Profile' to improve academic achievement, close skills gaps, and meet employer needs
 

Schools are placing greater emphasis on the competencies that define their profile to better align students with today’s job market requirements

Schools and states must align and credential students with their graduate profile competencies to prepare students for today's environment

Today's high school graduates need strong 'soft' or 'durable' skills, along with digital and financial literacy, for post-secondary success

For additional information
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