March 17, 2025 5:07 pm

College or Career? Why CTE Helps Students Succeed in Both

Is college the only path to success? Career and technical education (CTE) offers students a powerful alternative — helping them gain industry-recognized certifications, hands-on experience, and dual credits for college. Learn how CTE prepares students for both high-demand careers and higher education, reducing uncertainty and boosting career readiness.

When I was in high school (longer ago than I care to admit), it felt like the only post-graduation option for success was college. For that reason, I didn’t consider anything else — even though my high school was actually an early adopter of career and technical education (CTE). But now, with the rising costs of college and student debt, students are looking for alternatives. “Alternatives” might sound like a nice word to mean “the less-good option,” but that’s not the case anymore. Many high-paying, in-demand careers do not require a four-year degree but do require specialized skills. That’s where CTE comes in.

CTE as a direct career path

CTE is known for giving students access to internships and apprenticeships where they get hands-on experience and build applicable career skills. But sometimes when people think of CTE, they picture vocational education with a limited range of career paths. Today’s CTE pathways are full of options in high-demand, high-paying careers like healthcare, cybersecurity, and engineering. When students graduate high school already possessing skills tailored to these career paths, they predictably have a much higher rate of employment post-graduation.

CTE as a pathway to college

CTE isn’t just for students planning on going straight to a career after high school — it’s a pathway to college, too. With dual credit programs, CTE students can earn college credits while still in high school, allowing them to save money on tuition by fast-tracking their degree. Many CTE pathways even align with college programs and the industry-recognized certifications students can earn help to strengthen college applications. As a result, 79% of CTE students enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

79%

The percentage of CTE students who enroll in college or a post-secondary program.

source: California Department of Education

The best of both worlds — eliminating career uncertainty

Many students enter college without a clear career goal, resulting in them changing majors or even dropping out. Taking CTE courses means that students can explore careers in high school before committing to a college major or career path. This means that CTE graduates will enter college or post-secondary training with more confidence in the path they want (or don’t want) to pursue. Not only that, but CTE students are more prepared for college in general: in California, “80 percent of students taking a college prep academic curriculum with rigorous CTE met college and career readiness goals, compared to 63 percent of students who did not take CTE.”

80%

The percentage of California CTE students who met college and career readiness goals.

63%

The percentage of California students who did not take CTE courses that met the same readiness goals.

source: California Department of Education

The impact of CTE: proven success across industries

Not only do CTE courses boost graduation rates and reduce absenteeism, but they have real-world benefits across a variety of high-demand career paths.

Technology & Cybersecurity: Many students who complete CTE programs in IT and cybersecurity gain industry certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately or transition into college-level computer science programs with advanced standing.
Healthcare & Medical Fields: CTE students in nursing, medical assisting, and biotechnology programs benefit from hands-on training, often securing apprenticeships or earning dual credit toward healthcare degrees.
Engineering & Skilled Trades: Students who take CTE courses in engineering, manufacturing, or automotive technology often receive internships or industry placements, leading to higher-paying jobs right out of high school or a stronger foundation for college engineering programs.
Business & Entrepreneurship: CTE programs in marketing, finance, and entrepreneurship help students develop real-world business skills, with many going on to launch their own businesses or pursue degrees in business administration.

CTE isn’t about choosing between college or career — it’s about preparing for both paths to give students the best chance at future success. By expanding CTE offerings, schools can help students make informed decisions before being asked to choose a major or a job post-graduation. Hopefully, as CTE gains ground in these high-demand career paths, students will have the information and experience they need to pursue their next steps with confidence.

Discover the top reasons to expand CTE programs in your district

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About the Author – Ally Jones

Ally Jones is a former high school educator who specialized in teaching English language learners. Outside of education, she is passionate about fitness, literature, and taking care of the planet for her son’s generation.

February 26, 2025 9:53 am

4 Ways Teachers Can Strengthen Math Foundations (and Probably Already Have)

Discover four research-backed strategies educators can use to strengthen students’ math foundational skills — many of which they’re likely already implementing. From dedicated math time to peer-to-peer learning, these simple yet effective approaches can make a big impact in the classroom.

Looking at the most recent NAEP results (aka the Nation’s Report Card) might be the last thing you’d think would inspire optimism. But let’s take a glass-half-full approach for a minute here: in fourth grade, the average math score improved slightly from 2022. This means that educators’ and students’ hard work is paying off.

Unfortunately, this improvement still puts most fourth and eighth graders performing below pre-pandemic levels. There is clearly still work to be done — and some states have really dug into that work. Alabama, for instance, overhauled their state standards in 2019, created a new assessment, and passed a law designed to improve math instruction. And it’s working: Alabama is the only state whose fourth graders’ average math scores improved over those from 2019.

High-quality curriculum matters, but so does pedagogy

While it is clear that foundational math skills are key to future success — and evidence-based, high-quality instructional materials can help students build those skills — every classroom does not yet have access to those resources.

But, to keep our glasses half full, there are plenty of evidence-based strategies that teachers can implement today, without any external resources. In fact, they might be doing most of them already. Here are four:

1. Have dedicated math time and incorporate math throughout the day

In a practice guide based on an analysis of several studies, the Institute of Education Sciences recommends devoting a set amount of time each day for math instruction coupled with connecting math to other activities throughout the day.

This first part probably feels like a no-brainer: of course a classroom (or a secondary class schedule) would have dedicated math time each day. But that’s the best part! Check that off the list as an evidence-based strategy students are receiving each day.

It’s a little trickier to incorporate math throughout the day. Like writing across all subjects, it makes sense to reinforce math concepts when they come up naturally in other activities. But how?

Stanford’s Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education (DREME) suggests that “math learning can occur throughout the day by integrating math into classroom transitions and routines.” For example, elementary teachers can try using prompts about numbers to get students’ attention. “If you can hear me, use your fingers to show me a number that’s bigger than two.” Or for older students: “If you can hear me, use your fingers to show me a number that’s the square root of 25.”

2. Teacher modeling with a side of metacognitive strategies

Explicit instruction is one of the most effective ways to support student learning. That means modeling strategies, thinking out loud, and making problem-solving steps transparent. When teachers use metacognitive strategies, such as verbalizing their reasoning process, it helps students develop deeper conceptual understanding.

This can be as simple as working through a math problem on the board while explaining each step or asking students to reflect on the strategies they used to find an answer. Encouraging students to ask themselves, “Does this answer make sense?” helps build their confidence and accuracy in problem-solving.

3. Frequent practice opportunities

The adage “practice makes perfect” may not be entirely accurate, but practice does lead to progress toward skill mastery. Frequent, structured practice opportunities help reinforce skills and ensure that students retain what they’ve learned. That doesn’t mean endless worksheets, though — practice can take many forms, from hands-on activities to digital programs like Imagine Math^®, which provides personalized practice that adapts to student needs.

Repeated exposure to math concepts in a variety of contexts builds fluency, allowing students to apply their learning in different situations. Whether it’s a quick daily review, interactive games, or real-world problem-solving scenarios, consistent practice strengthens foundational skills.

4. Peer-to-peer teaching and learning

Students learn a great deal from explaining their thinking to others. Peer-to-peer teaching encourages students to verbalize their understanding, identify errors in reasoning, and develop a stronger grasp of mathematical concepts.

Collaborative learning strategies, such as think-pair-share or small group problem-solving, give students opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions about math. Of course, finding time and ways to implement these strategies in a busy classroom isn’t always easy. But even small moments of peer-to-peer interaction can make a big difference. When students teach each other, they reinforce their own learning while helping their peers solidify concepts.

Educators are already using many of these strategies every day — because they work! While access to high-quality curriculum and resources can make a significant difference, it’s clear that strong instructional practices are equally crucial. Keep looking for ways to reinforce foundational math skills, celebrate the progress students make, and know that your efforts are making an impact.

About the Author – Ally Jones

February 6, 2025 7:39 am

What Makes HQIM Effective

From their standards alignment to their data-driven design, equitability, and teacher supports, we’re exploring how HQIM prove their effectiveness and earn that famous “HQ”.

Keeping up with the latest buzzy “It” thing in education can feel like a game of whack-a-mole for enthusiastic but time-strapped teachers and district leaders. Even if you’re familiar with what each new theory, technique, or product is, there’s still an analysis process of, “It sounds exciting… but is it affordable? Sustainable? Equitable?” You also need to determine if your school or district has the capacity (and the willingness…(best of luck there)) to pivot away from whatever “It” is replacing.

For all that effort, this latest shiny thing sure as heck better be effective, right?

That’s an easy one to answer when what you’re considering are High-Quality Instructional Materials, or HQIM.

As you’re no doubt aware, HQIM are research-based resources and curricula that are designed to meet specific educational standards and improve learning outcomes across subjects, and they’re the topic of conversation in teachers’ lounges and district meetings around the country.

While having “high quality” in the name suggests efficacy is inherent, it’s important to understand what exactly makes HQIM so powerful in the classroom.

With everything HQIM offer today’s educators, the question changes from, “Is it effective?” to “Can you be as effective without it?”

Built to meet high standards

HQIM are effective in part because their standards alignment isn’t just a hit-or-miss bonus feature of an otherwise one-size-fits-all product. HQIM are specifically designed to align with national academic standards and your state’s own standards, ensuring students can access the content and skills outlined in those standards… and, importantly, making it easier for districts to access funds for the materials. (Now we’ve got your attention!)

Another way HQIM check off the “efficacy” box is by providing rigorous content appropriate for the grade level. All students should be getting comprehensive work with grade-level problems through practice, collaboration, and both summative and formative assessments, and HQIM applies extensive research to help ensure students can do so and confidently progress at the end of each academic year.

But wait there’s more

HQIM go well beyond checking off the standard to-dos to provide educators and students with what they need for effective, empowered learning.

teacher reviewing instructional materials with students on a tablet

Teacher support

Do your current materials include clear lesson plans, differentiated activities, and embedded formative assessments to guide you as you deliver effective instruction? If not, consider exploring HQIM options, which prioritize these types of educator supports. HQIM platforms also typically allow teachers to adjust pacing, modify lessons, or incorporate supplemental materials that are more relevant to their classrooms, creating a customized instructional approach.

Student engagement

HQIM are loaded with engaging activities, relevant real-world examples, and varied instructional strategies to keep students actively involved in the learning process. They can also include adaptive learning pathways and incorporate technology to support personalized learning.

Accessibility for diverse learners

If it wouldn’t work for every student, it couldn’t call itself “high quality”, right? With HQIM, different learning styles and abilities, including those of English language learners, are all accounted for and accommodated. Plus, the content reflects diversity and promotes equity, ensuring every student has access to an engaging, respectful, high-quality education.

Data-driven design

At a foundational level, HQIM are based on research and evidence of effectiveness to ensure materials are optimized for student learning. Their data-driven insights and AI integration support proven instructional strategies, often including formative assessments to track progress and adapt learning paths, equipping you for effective teaching.

So, what’ll it be?

With everything HQIM offer today’s educators, the question changes from “Is it effective?” to “Can you be as effective without it?” Research shows a direct correlation between using high-quality materials and increased student learning outcomes, and it reduces teacher workload at this critical, often-understaffed time. With HQIM, teachers can spend less time searching for materials and more time focusing on student interaction and differentiation.

Set down the whack-a-mole mallet for a bit. Direct the time and energy you’d normally spend trying to cobble diverse materials together for a coherent curriculum into understanding what HQIM can do for your school or district. Give yourself the chance to provide all students with rigorous and relevant content, narrow achievement gaps, and ignite learning breakthroughs.

Ready for more? Check out the blog posts below for more subject-specific applications of HQIM.

Driving Student Inquiry

Building Conceptual Understanding and Habits of Mind in Mathematics

Making Language Arts Connections

Unlocking Success with Phenomena-Based Instruction

August 28, 2024 8:52 am

Taking a Leap of Faith Toward Inquiry

Explore how taking bold steps toward inquiry-based learning can ignite curiosity and deepen student engagement. This blog post delves into the power of inquiry to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic spaces of discovery, fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning skills.

In the iconic movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy is in search of the Holy Grail and must complete three tasks in order to save his father and secure the ever-elusive cup. My favorite scene is when he must take a leap of faith across a deep, dark canyon to reach a doorway on the other side of the chasm. Passage seems dangerously impossible.

He consults his guidebook for directions, and he reads, “Only in the leap from the lion’s head will he prove his worth.” Indy then takes a breath, raises his left foot, and takes a brave step into the unknown. Instantly, a camouflaged bridge appears, and he is able to cross the void and retrieve the Holy Grail.

Social studies teacher reading from text to class

Teaching with inquiry can feel like this scene — especially in the back-to-school months of August and September. Social studies teachers look out into the eyes of a new group of students petrified that the inquiry bridge might not appear.

After all, inquiry is filled with unknowns. Teachers may have a solid inquiry curriculum stocked with compelling questions, sources, and tasks, but that is no guarantee that students will care about or engage with the material. And even if they do, there can be a palpable fear of losing control — what might students say in response to a question? Could the interpretation of a source land the teacher in an uncomfortable place? What if students get heated or offended by another student’s argument?

And then, if teachers are able to pass the first two “tests” of inquiry-based curriculum and instruction, there is always the leap of faith required to help students take informed action and participate civically. Inquiry teaching is fraught with instructional challenges, and fear can often get the better of us.

On the other hand, committed inquiry teachers loudly proclaim, “Inquiry is totally worth it!” They liken inquiry-based teaching to a holy grail of social studies where they reap exponential rewards. In writing this blog post, I polled some of my closest teaching colleagues and asked them to summarize the benefits of inquiry instruction, which I have coded and summarized below.

Teacher overlooking device with students

Teaching with inquiry provides more:

Curricular coherence: Inquiry truly binds content, historical thinking and practices, and critical thinking/writing into one pedagogy.

Student agency: Students have autonomy in learning (not in a silly choice board sort of way but in a “my teacher trusts my judgment and conclusions” sort of way).

Deeper learning: We talk about critical thinking a lot, but inquiry is that process, and it pays off for students outside of the social studies classroom.

Interdependence: Even more so than other methods of teaching, since inquiry is a “process,” it forces students to collaborate in meaningful ways — not “what is the correct answer?” but in a “well, what about this idea?” sort of way.

The power of questioning: How questions are phrased expands how content can be approached. Inquiry also welcomes the idea that questions can be changed and challenged. Even asking a particular question can help students consider perspectives they hadn’t before.

Opportunities to consider multiple perspectives: Invite meaningful classroom discussion where students can share and investigate multiple perspectives.

Deliberation: Students have more opportunity to deliberate when considering the various perspectives, costs, benefits, problems, and solutions faced by humans past and present.

Complexity: Inquiry gives students experience with the realistic messiness and complexity of human interaction.

Curiosity: Learning through inquiry stokes a culture of curiosity, giving students agency to think, wonder, and question.

Application/transference: Being expected to craft evidence-based claims regularly may transfer to students expecting the same of friends, family, and media.

Community building: Engaging in inquiry builds trust and reciprocity between students, their peers, and the teacher.

This is inspiring for sure, but may not be enough to overcome fears even if it promises to transform us or our students. For example, I know the transformative benefits of daily exercise, yet I often opt for a comfy binge watch of my favorite tv show instead!

What, then, can move a teacher to take that leap of faith toward inquiry? I would argue that we take a page from Indiana Jones by consulting a guidebook and afterward taking a first (often scary) step forward.

One of the best sets of directions comes from John Dewey. In 1916 (that’s right — over 100 years ago!), Dewey provided this direction on teaching and learning:

“Only by wrestling with the conditions of the problem first hand, seeking and finding [his or her] own way out, does [he or she] think.”

That is, if we want students to know stuff, they need to do stuff. They need to wrestle with thorny human questions, and they need enough time, space, and support to make their own headway toward an answer.

In the meantime, teachers need to step back and help students in this messy and unsteady process — not too much help, not too little help, but just the right amount. That’s the part that can feel like leaping from a lion’s head! Watching students intellectually struggle is really hard, and knowing when and how to help them is even harder.

If inquiry feels like an impossible leap of faith, I recommend starting with a small step that revs your students’ curiosity engines.

Here are three ideas:

1. Take a traditional lesson and reframe it with a question

For example, take a lesson about Thomas Jefferson and frame it with the question, How should we remember Thomas Jefferson?

Try posing that question at the end of a short lecture or after they have read a biography of him. Ask students to answer it in the form of a short epitaph that captures his complexity, contributions, and contradictions in American history. Then, notice what happens when you change from teaching about something to answering a question.

2. Take time interrogating an interesting source

Show students a source — a photograph, a map, a political cartoon — and ask them, “what do you make of this?” Then see what happens.

For example, I have used this image below featuring students protesting in Virginia in the 1960s. I find it irresistible because it immediately begets a series of questions:

Who are these women?
Why are they carrying signs?
Why do the signs say they have lost years of education?
When does this photograph look like it was taken?
If you had to write a caption for the photo, what would you need to know?
How were people impacted by massive resistance?

There is nothing like a juicy compelling source to get you off to the inquiry races!

students protesting massive resistance in Virginia in the 1960s

Source : Neh.gov

3. Take time to bring the past into the present

For example, flip a lesson on ancient Egypt and focus on the current controversy over the repatriation of stolen artifacts.

Here are a few articles that feature these modern issues about preserving and owning the past:

U.S. returns looted 2,500-year-old sarcophagus to Egypt, PBS NewsHour, January 2, 2023
Egyptians call for the return of the Rosetta Stone and other ancient artifacts, NPR, October 2, 2022
ICE makes arrests and seizes cultural artifacts stolen from Egypt, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, July 14, 2011

Students could engage in small group discussions on historical and archival preservation and how people have fought to own history. For homework or if they have in-class devices, students could find additional examples of stealing artifacts and repatriation (e.g., Jews during Holocaust, Native Americans in American history, Africans during the era of European imperialism) and the challenges of returning these precious items to their rightful owners.

As a final note, take heart knowing that perfection can be the enemy of good. For new-to-inquiry teachers, don’t worry about being the perfect inquiry teacher, just try taking a small step like the ones described above and then pay attention to how the students, the classroom culture, and you begin to change. Next, keep taking more (maybe larger) steps. For you veteran inquiry teachers, leap onto that inquiry bridge and show us why we need to continue crossing it.

In the words of the Grail Knight, “You have chosen wisely.”

Rear view of large group of students listening to their teacher

About the Author: Dr. Kathy Swan

Professor, University of Kentucky; C3 Framework Lead Author; Lead Consultant on Traverse

Kathy Swan is a professor of curriculum and instruction at the University of Kentucky. Kathy was awarded UKY’s Great Teacher Award in 2021 and has been a four-time recipient of the National Technology Leadership Award in Social Studies Education, innovating with inquiry-based curricula. Dr. Swan served as the project director and lead writer of the College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for Social Studies State Standards (2013), the national standards for social studies. She has co-written a number of best-selling books, including Inquiry-Based Practice in Social Studies Education: The Inquiry Design Model (2017), The Inquiry Design Model: Building Inquiries in Social Studies (2018), and Blueprinting an Inquiry-Based Curriculum: Planning with the Inquiry Design Model (2019).

June 14, 2024 5:00 am

Navigating Academic Intervention in Grades 6–12

Supporting students in grades 6–12 comes with complex challenges. Intervention strategies can bridge gaps and boost graduation rates, but only if you have your school community’s buy-in. See what we’ve learned.

As school administrators dive into the recently released state assessment scores, a familiar challenge re-emerges: supporting middle and high school students who are behind grade level. With the 2024–25 school year approaching, it’s crucial to devise effective intervention strategies to bridge academic gaps and ensure students are on track for graduation.

To provide a ground-level perspective, we spoke with three of our Professional Development Specialists who work with educators implementing Imagine MyPath, focusing on their insights into successful intervention practices for grades 6–12.

The First Hurdle: Engaging Students

One of the biggest challenges in middle and high school intervention is getting students’ buy-in. Students who have had negative experiences with other intervention strategies — maybe the material was too advanced and prevented them from progressing, or it was so juvenile it stigmatized their learning gaps — can be reluctant to engage.

Senior Professional Development Specialist Derek Sarver calls lack of engagement and motivation “critical barriers.” He appreciates that programs like Imagine MyPath address this with built-in motivational and celebratory opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of hands-on experiences and modeling during professional development sessions to support teachers in keeping students engaged.

For Jenny Singletary, the compounded issue of low engagement plus competing for students’ time is the “number one enemy,” particularly for high school intervention. “It’s a huge obstacle,” she says, stressing how full students’ schedules are. “Students who are struggling don’t want to put forth the time in their coursework, much less an intervention program.”

Stacey Cleveland points out that, in addition, “high school teachers often lack training in small group instruction and intervention strategies, which are essential for effective engagement.” She stresses the need for structured models that demonstrate how to integrate intervention into the classroom.

Effective Strategies in Action

Middle and high school students’ learning needs are complex, so successful intervention strategies need to be multi-tiered. Derek observes that the most effective techniques include “consistent usage opportunities, active monitoring of student engagement, and meaningful student-teacher conversations.” These strategies help students take ownership of their learning, a crucial component for sustained improvement.

Stacey shares a successful pilot program where a station model was implemented in a 10th-grade English class. “We capped the teacher’s direct instruction at 30 minutes, followed by 30 minutes of hands-on practice and 30 minutes of using Imagine MyPath or Imagine Edgenuity,” she explains. This structured approach ensured consistent and effective use of intervention tools, leading to better data and meaningful insights. “You’re getting that use with fidelity over time,” she says, “so the data is more accurate, and the teachers are starting to see the value.”

“Student data chats, when done consistently, can significantly impact students’ ownership of their learning.”

Derek Sarver

Senior Professional Development Specialist

Building a Culture of Data-Driven Intervention

Everyone agreed that effectively utilizing data was critical to daily efforts and to achieving the long-term goals of grade-level learning and graduation rates.

Derek cites two key components of data-driven intervention: educators actively monitoring student engagement and progress and students self-monitoring their learning. He wishes more educators understood the importance of using reporting features to facilitate student conversations. “Student data chats, when done consistently, can significantly impact students’ ownership of their learning,” he says.

For Stacey, educators’ ability to efficiently respond to data is key, especially “stopping to look at what is going to be the best use of [the teacher’s] time to help the students in their room. We have to recognize, A, where are our students? And B, give ourselves the space and permission to take the time needed to bring them closer to grade level.” She loves that Imagine MyPath provides reteaching worksheets and a class summary report. “It tells the teacher, ‘This student is struggling. Here is the resource you can use with her.’”

Jenny worked as a Teacher Specialist for the South Carolina Department of Education before joining Imagine Learning and understands how assessment data drives decisions at the administrative level. She underscores the importance of aligning formative assessments with state standards and notes that Imagine MyPath’s assessments do just that, helping teachers accurately gauge student progress and needs. “I know the depth and rigor that you’re going to find in [state assessments],” she says, “and I see that same depth and rigor in formative assessments for Imagine MyPath.”

“We have to recognize, A. Where are our students? And B. Give ourselves the space and permission to take the time needed to bring them closer to grade level.”

Stacey Cleveland

Professional Development Specialist

Planning for Success

For Derek, these approaches to intervention with older students aren’t just theoretical. “I had a large district opt-in to an Imagine MyPath pilot for their middle school math intervention students,” he says. “We focused on student data, reporting functionality for educators, and student engagement with the program. What we saw district-wide after the EOY assessment window closed was a 12% increase in students performing ON grade level and a 742% increase in students performing ABOVE grade level! The numbers sound extreme, but this happened, in large part, because of student and teacher buy-in and increased motivation.” 

No matter what program tops your list for intervention in 2024–25, consider how to activate students’ ownership of their learning and explore data-driven strategies everyone can embrace. Your graduation rates will reflect these efforts in 2025 and beyond.

About the Author — Kallie Markle

Kallie Markle lives in Northern California with her family of humans, house plants, and dogs. The humans take up the least amount of space. Before joining the education world, she wrote her way through national parks, concerts, tourism, and brewing.

May 28, 2024 4:58 am

Open Any Door with Creativity

In our final blog post on the 4Cs, we unpack how STEM learning fosters creativity. Discover how innovative thinking drives scientific breakthroughs and engineering solutions, proving that creativity isn’t just for the arts — it’s essential for progress in every field.

Ever thought that studying STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) is only useful for students considering careers in science or tech? If so, then you wouldn’t be alone — but it’s time to change that perspective.

The truth is, workplaces are changing fast, and some traditional skills are becoming less relevant today. Growing digitalization of roles, AI technologies, and new communication methods demand a totally different set of skills fit for the modern workplace (Thornhill Miller et al., 2023).

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

Gif of 4Cs of STEM, zooming into the STEM skill: Collaboration

Creativity: The Last C Unveiled

Creativity in STEM

When you imagine a “creative” person, who do you see? An artist, actor, or a musician, maybe? Likely a scientist or a mathematician wouldn’t be the first to spring to mind — but they should. It’s a common myth that the arts are creative disciplines and STEM subjects are not. But this must be challenged because such a mindset creates a false picture of what it means to work in STEM — and the skills students stand to gain when engaging with STEM subjects. The fact is, STEM is inherently creative. Think about it — every scientific discovery, every engineering solution, was born from innovative thinking and creativity. The Wright brothers didn’t happen upon the first airplane — their breakthrough was a product of some serious out-of-the-box thinking and creative problem-solving.

Why Creativity is a Key Skill

Creativity has long been included as a core competency on job adverts across every field. It’s clear why — what job doesn’t require some level of creative thinking? And looking forward to the future, it’s unlikely that this is going to change.

By 2030, it’s estimated that up to 800 million jobs will be displaced by automation and artificial intelligence (AI). In such a rapidly changing job market, creativity will be crucial for adapting to new roles and driving progress in fields that machines cannot easily replicate.

“Sometimes those things don’t always work out, but it’s still enjoyable to go through it because at the end you’re going to come out with something that you never thought you would.”

Noby Leong

Chemist

Fostering the Next Generation of Creative Thinkers

Here are just some ways STEM can help foster the next generation of creative thinkers:

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Through STEM exploration, students tackle complex, real-world problems that require innovative solutions — they develop and test hypotheses, analyze data, refine their ideas, all while working within specific constraints. It’s a process that requires immense creative thinking.
Hands-On Learning: By engaging in practical tasks — such as science investigations and engineering challenges — students apply their creative thinking. They learn through trial and error and explore multiple solutions, and in doing so, they enhance their ability to bring creative ideas to life.
Collaborative Learning Projects: We’ve already delved into how STEM fosters collaboration — but did you know that collaboration also fosters creativity? When working together to solve problems, students bounce ideas off one another, leverage each other’s strengths, and create innovative solutions that they may not have found alone.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

Tell me more

May 17, 2024 12:55 pm

Empowering the Next Generation: How CTE Fosters Career Confidence

CTE programs equip students with not only essential skills and competitive credentials but also with the confidence they need to excel in today’s competitive job markets.

The decision of what to do after high school can feel overwhelming for many high school students. They’re coping with academic pressures and personal stressors, which can make every decision feel weighted.

Here’s where career and technical education (CTE) programs come in.

They’re more than just vocational training to connect high school students to viable careers; they also help boost students’ self-confidence and build real-world competencies. As the job market becomes increasingly competitive, CTE programs play a crucial role in preparing the next generation for successful and fulfilling careers.

Here are 3 ways CTE programs alleviate student anxieties, helping them enter the “real world” with confidence:

Real-world anxiety: my classes aren’t preparing me for life after high school

CTE’s answer: pathways that build competencies for the modern world

Students learning together to build electronic circuits

We’ve all heard it: “I don’t use anything I learned in high school.” While that’s hyperbole, the sentiment is important. Students worry that they won’t be prepared for the real world — whether that’s college or career — after high school. CTE programs are changing that.

CTE programs are uniquely designed to align academic goals with the economic realities of high-demand industries. By integrating core academic skills with technical, job-specific skills, these programs prepare students for a smooth transition from the classroom to the workplace. Whether their interests lie in healthcare, engineering, digital arts, or even agriculture, CTE courses equip students with a versatile toolkit of skills that don’t just look great on a resume — they also help students succeed in their chosen careers.

CTE programs stand out as an essential educational pathway that empowers students to reach their full potential.

Real-world anxiety: today’s jobs are looking for more than a diploma

CTE’s answer: certifications that open doors

A group of students working on a project together

In a world where entry-level roles somehow still require experience, students are understandably worried about their prospects when entering the workforce. CTE programs set students up for success by preparing them for industry-recognized certification exams.

Not only do they help them prepare, but CTE programs allow students to earn recognized certifications while they’re still in high school. These certifications, often endorsed by industry leaders, can provide a substantial advantage for students entering the job market. They signal that students are ready to work, which can help reduce the barrier to entry into competitive fields.

Real-world anxiety: the idea of a career is big, unknown, and possibly scary

CTE’s answer: real-world experience builds confidence and familiarity

Daydreaming in a freshman year English classroom, the idea of a career seems like just that: a distant fantasy. As students enter their final years of high school, they start to feel that post-graduation life getting closer and closer — but that doesn’t make it any less intimidating.

To alleviate these fears, CTE programs frequently incorporate internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects that provide hands-on experience. Direct engagement outside the classroom not only reinforces the theoretical knowledge learned in class but also helps students develop confidence in their ability to perform job tasks effectively. This experience transforms uncertainty into assertive self-assurance, as students realize they can apply knowledge to solve real-world problems.

A pathway to sustainable careers

By providing clear pathways to in-demand careers, CTE programs help students see the direct correlation between their efforts in school and their future success. This visibility enhances their motivation and encourages them to envision their future beyond high school. And, knowing that they are on a direct route to a viable and sustainable career can significantly alleviate the anxiety and uncertainty that many students face regarding their future after high school.

Career and technical education programs don’t just teach students a set of job-specific skills; they also build confidence, alleviate anxiety, and encourage personal and academic growth. As the demand for skilled professionals grows, CTE programs stand out as an essential educational pathway that empowers students to reach their full potential.

May 13, 2024 10:19 am

Open Any Door with Communication

As the demand for skilled communicators rises across all fields, it’s vital that our educational approaches keep pace. In this third entry of our 4Cs series, we show how STEM education boosts students’ communication skills, equipping them with the tools necessary for success in any career.

Communication: The Third C Unveiled

In the world of STEM, mastering technical skills like coding, data analysis, and engineering design are often viewed as the usual pillars for career success. Equally crucial, and sometimes overlooked, is the role of effective communication. The ability to explain complex concepts clearly and collaborate empowers students to thrive in any professional environment, not just in STEM fields.

STEM subjects naturally integrate communication through things like collaborative projects and problem-solving. These involve more than just talking and writing — they’re about learning to convey ideas clearly and effectively in a variety of ways. Students may need to present their scientific findings, defend their reasoning, or document their processes. Each of these tasks strengthens verbal, written, and digital communication skills, which all contribute to career-readiness.

“Whether you decide to try for a job in science or not, investing time in developing scientific thinking and skills will positively impact your future.”

Drew Barrett

Director of Efficacy Research at Imagine Learning

Build Effective Communicators with STEM

When we really think about it, communication and STEM go hand in hand. STEM professionals need to effectively communicate findings to help drive progress in their field — which is where studying STEM subjects come in. Here are just some ways STEM helps build strong communicators in any field:

Data visualization: Students learn to take complex data and transform it into clear visual aids that form the basis of sound decisions — valuable for careers ranging from business analytics to public health.

Technical writing: In math, students prove theorems or solve problems where each step must be documented. By learning how to make cases for findings and articulate their thoughts, they pick up useful skills for workplace tasks — whether it’s preparing project proposals or writing code for software development.

Interdisciplinary communication: Many STEM fields encourage interdisciplinary projects that require collaboration. By taking part in projects, students learn to speak the language of other disciplines, make room for opinions, and adjust their communication styles.

Presentation skills: Whether through academic posters, group presentations, or team updates, students are expected to present research and findings. Think of it as the ultimate confidence booster, preparing them for fields like marketing, education, or business!

In our final 4Cs blog post, we explore how creativity opens exciting possibilities across all disciplines.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

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April 30, 2024 5:40 am

Open Any Door with Collaboration

“Embrace the opportunities to learn and apply STEM skills, and you’ll find yourself well equipped for a future full of fun and exciting possibilities.”

Simone Jennings

CEO and marketer

Collaboration: The Next C Unveiled

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Two heads are better than one.” It’s true — no one person can do everything. We all have different strengths and weaknesses, and if we work together, we’re much more likely to solve a problem than if we’re working alone. But learning to collaborate doesn’t just mean learning how to work with others. It’s learning to delegate, resolve conflict, manage time, set goals, make compromises, and be empathetic — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In short, collaboration isn’t only important for college and careers — it’s necessary in every aspect of life.

From STEM Classrooms to Any Career

How does STEM promote collaboration?

Fun fact: more than 7,000 scientists, engineers, and technicians collaborated when designing and building the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s most powerful particle accelerator. It’s a great example of how STEM is a playground for collaboration — and how groundbreaking discoveries are made when many minds are brought together. In a STEM classroom, there are plenty of opportunities to practice this skill. From working on collaborative projects and conducting and sharing group research to providing peer-to-peer feedback and engaging in class discussions, every student has the chance to engage, regardless of learning style. But as chemist Noby points out in the video above, lots of students are apprehensive when it comes to group assignments. And often, that apprehension isn’t entirely unfounded because there are lots of potential conflicts that can arise. A common worry is unequal participation (Murray, 2017), but there are many strategies to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate — and therefore, get the most from their collaborative group work.

A great way to promote equitable collaboration in a STEM classroom is to assign students different roles during science and engineering investigations. This can give them buy-in, a reason to participate, and simulates various collaborative situations they’re likely to encounter in the workforce — whether in a STEM-related role or not.

In the next installment of our series on the 4Cs of STEM, we’ll explore how STEM fosters communication skills.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

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April 12, 2024 10:38 am

Open Any Door with Critical Thinking

Workplaces are changing fast. Jobs with “routine” work have decreased and there’s a much bigger emphasis on soft skills like the 4Cs. In part one of our four-part series, discover how critical thinking unlocks future pathways for students and how STEM in particular fosters it.

This is where STEM subjects come into play. By studying STEM at schools, students pick up the soft skills that are exactly what employers look for today. Not only do these soft skills make the transition from education to the workplace smoother, they also open the door to any career — whether that’s a STEM-related role or not. These soft skills are commonly referred to as 21st-century skills, or the 4Cs: critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity.

“The world is incredibly complex. It’s like a giant jigsaw puzzle, and I use those fundamental [STEM] skills to find all of the puzzle pieces and put them together in a way that makes sense to me.”

Noby Leong

Chemist

Critical Thinking: The First C Unveiled

What do we mean by critical thinking? And why does it take center stage? Critical thinking is about analyzing and evaluating information to make sound conclusions. It’s more than solving math problems or conducting experiments — it’s about challenging assumptions and seeing beyond the obvious to become an active, engaged problem solver.

In the classroom, this might look like students debating the best approach to solving a problem or designing multiple hypotheses to test an experiment. Ultimately, it’s a skill that prepares students for overcoming real-world challenges in any field.

From STEM Classrooms to Any Career

So how does mastering Pythagoras’ theorem or challenging scientific approaches benefit students who don’t want to pursue STEM? The answer lies in the universal transferability of the critical thinking involved. Whether it’s strategizing a marketing campaign, improving customer service protocols, or writing compelling narratives, critical thinking is woven into the fabric of every career you can imagine.

The message is clear: critical thinking is more than an academic skill. It unlocks potential across all disciplines and all future pathways for students.

In the next installment of our series on the 4Cs of STEM, we’ll explore the power of collaboration and how it shapes the leaders of tomorrow.

Imagine Learning STEM

Prepare the next generation of STEM leaders with digital and hands-on learning aligned to the 4Cs.

Tell me more