You could win a free set of 16 Career Clusters occupational posters. All you need to do is submit a brief online review or comment for any item in the Resources@MCCE free loan library. Your name will be submitted one time for each valid comment or review you submit in the library system. We will draw two names each week from October 3 through December 19 for a free set of 16 Career Clusters posters. (more…)

Today, technology and careers are ever-changing. These news articles highlight some exciting developments across the sciences, as well as interesting trends and insights for careers and education. Scientists are probing ways to use technology to examine the human mind or enhance our performance.

Of interest for Missourians seeking to grow a biotech industry in our state, California not only has state funding for stem cell research, but also plans on the table to grow the workforce for this fledgling industry. Technology is also impacting the way parents and educational institutions interact in rather unexpected ways. The USA Today newspaper reports that more and more parents are using online tools like Facebook to approve — or disapprove — of their child’s college roommate.

And finally, an incredible success story. Alfredo Quinones went from illegal immigrant to reknown brain surgeon, and career tech training and community college education figure prominently on his path to success.

Next-Generation Stress & Fatigue Tests Underway at NASA
Cognitive Sciences Aims for Computers that Anticipate Human Error
Imaging Technology Used to Explore Mental Illnesses
U.K. Physicists Solving Mystery of Levitation
California Higher Ed Proposes Stem Cell Worker Program
Stalking A Killer in Our Greens: Food Science Forensics

For New Graduates, Green Jobs are Plentiful
Missouri Contractors Reaping Rewards of Green Practices
Community College a Step from Illegal Immigrant to Brain Surgeon
Parents: Roommates’ Facebook Profile Warrants Change

An emphasis on “21st-century skills” seems to be gaining traction as Congress anticipates requthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act. With public support for NCLB wavering, some in Congress are pushing for significant changes to the Act. Others throughout the nation continue to sharpen efforts and partnerships to define and improve education of the “21st-century skills” or take advantage of programs that aim to certify a college and career preparatory skill set. National leaders will do well to keep career and technical education in mind as they plan enhancements to NCLB for secondary education.

Discussing the Future of CTE with OVAE Leader
States, Business Cooperate to Target 21st-Century Skills
Study Questions Merit of High School Personal Finance Courses
Chair Pushes for NCLB Renewal to Reflect 21st-Century Skills
GA: Mulling the Merit of Secondary Job-Prep Programs
AK: Governor Proposes Readiness Plan Around ACT WorkKeys

School reform remains an important topic among educators throughout Missouri and the nation. Schools of all stripes looking to reform their practices would do well to look at Cascadia Community College, which in some eyes outperforms its nationally-recognized university neighbor, the University of Washington. In a similar focus on student-centered learning, the state of New Hampshire has issued a new model for high schools throughout the state, focusing on the creation of learning communities that build educational experiences on the needs and interests of the individual learner.

For those still not sure what the catch-phrase ‘rigorous studies’ is supposed to mean, the included paper from the National High School Alliance not only defines rigorous studies in real terms, but it also provides an instrument for schools to assess how rigorous their educational programs are.

The College that Was Built to Teach
Defining Rigor in High School: A Framework & Assessment
Three School Improvement Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Five Styles of Extra Help Programs for Students
Americans Show Strong Support for National Standards
U.S. House Speaker Pledges Overhaul of NCLB
Choosing More Time for Learning: Expanded Learning

WI: Participation in After-School Activities Declining
OH: High School Grads Come with a Guarantee
OR: Schools Advised to Narrow Focus to Crucial Lessons
NH: New State High School Model Centers on Students
CA: Students Research Troubled Schools, Report to Mayor

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs remain a hot topic across the state and the nation. As career and technical educators strive for more integration with math and science instruction, connections with other programs and efforts will become increasingly valuable. The National High School Alliance’s STEM Information Center provides a wealth of information about related activities across the nation (Missouri’s METS programs are highlighted among the state activities listed).

WA: Activities Aim to Hook Kids on Science
President Signs America COMPETES Act, Targeting STEM
Math & Science Partnerships Benefit Students
National High School Alliance STEM Information Center

Many resources and materials are available to help secondary schools improve transitions, both with their sending schools at the middle school and elementary level and with postsecondary educational institutions. Included here are some resources for educators and students as they look toward these important transitions into and out of secondary education.

Aligned Expectations?: College Placement Tests & K-12 Assessments
Middle School Gap: Many Aspire for College, Few Know How
Boosters, Brokers & Bridges: Ideas for College Access Programs
College Planning Packets Available from Missouri Higher Ed