There is an almost six percent change predicted in the employment workforce over the next several years, for jobs that require less than high school education. The only category that has a greater percentage change predicted are those that require a professional degree. This data has implications for personalized learning, for our students, and for us as educators.
As we move toward fully embracing personalized learning plans, we must also fully embrace what engages our students, recognizing that there are many options for them. All educators are required to have at least a Bachelor's Degree in our field, many of us have degrees beyond that as well. We implicitly have a bias, having earned these degrees, that they are important. However, the reality is that not all students will earn college degrees and not all students will finish high school. Given the data above, this still means those students can participate in the workforce in the state of Vermont.
Please be clear that I am not in any way advocating that educators lower expectations for our students. On the contrary, I am suggesting that we be aware of our own biases as we work with students to develop their personalized learning plans. With the changes predicted in the Vermont employment landscape in the coming years, many students can find meaningful work through a non-traditional path. As long as our students are able to find a way to contribute, whether locally, nationally, or around the world, then in Montpelier Public Schools, we have fulfilled our mission.
In the end, it really is about our students. We must be sure that while we challenge them to grow, we're listening to them as well.
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