Embodying ‘The Big Blur’: A New Era of Education in Kenosha County
Jobs for the Future (JFF) a national nonprofit that drives transformation of the U.S. education and workforce systems to achieve equitable economic advancement for all released research titled The Big Blur: An Argument for Erasing the Boundaries Between High School, College, and Careers —and Creating One New System That Works for Everyone. The research reveals a transformative educational model that blurs the lines between high school, college, and career training. This approach advocates for a seamless integration of academic learning and workforce preparation, aiming to create a more efficient and relevant education system that better meets the needs of students and employers in the modern economy.
“A high school diploma is no longer a ticket to jobs that pay family-supporting wages and offer benefits and opportunities for growth. In our evolving economy, it is becoming increasingly important for workers to earn postsecondary credentials in order to have a chance at economic advancement. But college completion rates are increasing by only 1 percent per year on average, and that figure is even lower for students from low-income backgrounds and Black, Native American, and Latinx students. By the age of 16 or 17, many young people have already assumed adult responsibilities in their families and are poised to start preparing for their future careers.”
KTEC High School in Kenosha County, Wisconsin, embodies the principles of the “Big Blur” by integrating high school education with career readiness, effectively addressing the disconnect between traditional education and the workforce. Through its focus on technical skills and real-world preparedness, KTEC High School represents an innovative approach to education. This model aligns with the vision of creating a new type of institution that erases the boundaries between high school and college, ensuring students are equipped for high-demand careers. By adopting block scheduling and emphasizing work-based learning, KTEC High School offers a forward-thinking educational environment that blurs the line between secondary and post secondary education, preparing students for a successful transition into the workforce.
KTEC High School is pioneering an educational revolution in Kenosha County, bridging the gap between traditional high school education and the evolving demands of the workforce. This institution exemplifies the “Big Blur” concept by merging academic rigor with practical career preparation, ensuring that students are not just ready for college but are also equipped with the skills needed for high-demand technical careers.
The focus extends beyond conventional classroom learning. The school emphasizes hands-on experience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to navigate and thrive in a competitive job market. The unique block scheduling system allows for in-depth exploration of subjects, fostering a deeper understanding and mastery of skills. Each student has the opportunity to earn up to 6 college credits from general education courses in each of the 9th, 10th, and 11th grades. These courses alone represent a savings of almost $4,000 per student. Additionally, students will earn credits for technical courses in their junior and senior career pathway courses, which will amount to further savings.
For the workforce and employers, KTEC High School represents a valuable pipeline of technically skilled, work-ready graduates. This aligns with industry needs for adept entry-level workers, enhancing local and national economic development.
For the community and parents, KTEC High School represents a beacon of hope and progress. It’s not just a school; it’s a forward-thinking community committed to nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals. By choosing KTEC High School, parents are investing in their children’s future, providing them with a solid foundation that combines the best of academic education with essential career skills.
KTEC High School in partnership with National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) is developing into the national center of excellence for high school technical education programs.
Source: JFF Big Blur Executive Summary
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