Educating the Workforce of Tomorrow Fall 2017 - Page 11

CLOSING
A rapidly changing economy requires urgent focus on student
postsecondary and career readiness, with greater intensity than ever
before. Tennessee’s K-12 and postsecondary leaders, employers,
and policymakers have formed a strong policy foundation for
communities to take action.
These policies have helped spur regional partnerships focused on
closing skill gaps between the current labor force and employer
needs. A growing number of employers are recognizing the
Securing Tennessee’s future
workforce begins today.
Together, Tennessee’s regional
and local leaders can seize
opportunities to leverage available
policies and programs to innovate
and help our students—and
Tennessee’s communities—achieve
their full potential.
opportunity and need to act. Business and industry leaders are
partnering with schools to provide structured programs of study
focused on high demand areas like STEM, health sciences, internet
technology, and advanced manufacturing. Teachers are connecting learning to real-world challenges through
projects that help students explore career opportunities and hone crucial employability skills.
It will take expanded work to ensure more students are prepared for postsecondary and career. There is
perhaps no more important area of focus from state and local leaders than this work. Securing Tennessee’s
future workforce begins today. Together, Tennessee’s regional and local leaders can seize opportunities to
leverage available policies and programs to innovate and help our students—and Tennessee’s communities—
achieve their full potential.
ABOUT SCORE
The Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) drives collaboration on policy and practice to ensure student success across
Tennes