Maine’s business community greatly values and relies on our state’s K-12 public education system. Much good work is being done to prepare our students for college and the workplace. We have many high-quality teachers and kids in Maine and a learning system that graduates many students who are well-prepared for higher education and the workforce. Still, more can and should be done to prepare today’s students for the world of tomorrow. To that end, we must keep in place efforts underway, specifically newer proficiency-based learning models, that will improve upon what already is working and make sure our students graduate ready for a bright and successful future.
Proficiency-based learning models recently adopted in Maine and many other states are excellent measures for ensuring college and career readiness, and many in the business community support such statewide measures. Yes, the standards are more rigorous, the assessments are tougher, requirements of our students are greater and change is difficult. But all these elements and how they work together are key to students gaining the knowledge necessary to move to the next level. Maine’s students deserve nothing less than an education that will graduate them with the skills they need going forward. Our graduates need to be as competitive as possible, whether they are applying to college or entering the workforce.
Newer, innovative learning models based on students’ proficiency in core subjects go a long way to ensure their readiness for the future. While the old high school diploma tells us a student has fulfilled the required seat time in a class and may have a basic understanding of a subject, a proficiency-based diploma tells us they have demonstrated higher-order thinking, have proven mastery of core subjects and are able to apply what they have learned to new situations. This new education model replaces rote memory skills with deeper learning, such as critical thinking, problem solving, clear communications and collaboration skills. From a business perspective, these skills are imperative for success, not only today’s workplace but for the workplaces of the future.
Making sure our students truly are prepared for college and careers is one of the most important things we can do to build a stronger Maine economy. A top priority for business leaders is ensuring our education system is giving our young men and women the educational foundation they need for future jobs that we do not yet even know about. That’s why companies like mine are joining in educational partnerships to address education and workforce needs. At Axiom Education and Training Center, we provide classes to adult learners to help improve the quality and quantity of future workers. This is just one example of how Maine must set high goals for our students, then give them the teaching and tools to meet and exceed expectations.
Proficiency is a core concept in any successful business. Often the highest stakes are in entry-level jobs, which frequently are the front lines of a business or trade. Students should be in a position to excel in such jobs. Rigorous academics delivered in a proficiency-based learning model with the right assessments are the formula to help close the skills gap Maine employers are experiencing.
We have an unprecedented opportunity with modern proficiency-based learning models and aligned assessments to prepare all students, whether they go to school in Bangor, Dover-Foxcroft or Eastport, with clear and consistent learning goals. These critical steps will serve to better prepare today’s students to thrive in college and Maine’s workplaces.
Producing a high level of educated workers keeps businesses investing in our state, helps grow our local and state economies, and benefits our communities, the graduates and their families. Our state’s long-term economic health, stability and ability to grow our economy depend on the preparedness of our future workforce and their ability to compete in today’s global economy. The workplace is more demanding today than ever before, and we owe it to our students to prepare them for what they will face when entering it.
Let’s stay the course and improve upon the education system we have by continuing to move forward with exciting and innovative proficiency-based learning models and aligned assessments. For the sake of our students and our economy, we must not turn the clock back. We must stay the course and make sure our kids attain the kind of education and mastery of skills they need for today’s and tomorrow’s workplace.
Susan Corbett is CEO of Axiom Technologies in Machias.