Industry skill standards and education reform

Federal and state legislation encourages the development of industry skill standards to improve the link between educators and employers and better define skill and curricular needs. However, some education reformers fear that a strong focus on the needs of business through industry standards will thwart education reform. The authors use an analysis of 22 skill standards pilot projects to reach mixed conclusions. The majority of standards appear to clash with the goals of broader education reform, although a small number of the projects could have positive effects.

Published abstract.

Federal and state legislation encourages the development of industry skill standards to improve the link between educators and employers and better define skill and curricular needs. However, some education reformers fear that a strong focus on the needs of business through industry standards will thwart education reform. The authors use an analysis of 22 skill standards pilot projects to reach mixed conclusions. The majority of standards appear to clash with the goals of broader education reform, although a small number of the projects could have positive effects.

Published ...  [+] Show more