How Does Workplace Readiness and Softskills Training Relate in High School

Through our PLC work as part of the CAI workshops this week, our CATEC team has revised and developed a core set of "workplace readiness" skills that are essential for effective and efficient employment. Through the process we developed a set of "minimal expectations" to be measured each day for our students. The BIG IDEA here-students shouldn't be rewarded fro doing waht is expected. (therefore if you do these activities, you receive a "C" for the day. You are meeting the minimal expectations as an employee (student).

These minimal expectations are: Demonstrating the minimum standard of workplace behaviors will earn you a C (75) for a Workplace Skills grade. To meet basic workplace standards, you will:

***be punctual, arriving to class before the bell rings and returning to class promptly after a break

***be prepared, having the supplies, materials, and resources needed for daily instruction

***accept constructive criticism, listening to and finding value in the opinions of others to make better educated decisions

***demonstrate a productive work ethic, working for the duration of the class period, maintaining an effort level consistent with professional expectations

***be honest and trustworthy

***use constructive teamwork skills, adding value, pulling your weight, cooperating, and staying on task

***use materials and equipment correctly and safely, following all protocols and referring to instructions when necessary (i.e., CATEC's Student Safety Guidelines in CATEC's Staff Book)

***follow instructions promptly, paying attention to activities of the day

***be flexible and adaptable in regards to changing job situations, environments, procedures

***cooperate with peers, teachers, and administrators be respectful of people of other races, gender, religions, and nationalities

***complete work on time, managing your time, being organized, working under pressure, and working "smarter, not harder"

***demonstrate positive professional and social behaviors - using appropriate language, dressing to meet expectations, and being respectful to peers, teachers, and administrators, and others

***communicate effectively with peers, teachers, and administrators by listening, speaking, and writing in a professional manner

In addition, students will have to demonstrate one or more of the following to earn higher grades based on their daily performance. These include:

Workplace Skills-The next level expectations for the exemplary student (employee) (10 points each)

To earn a higher grade, you must reach to a higher standard. You must:

@@@show initiative and self-motivation, making independent decisions

@@@solve problems independently, thinking critically, weighing pros and cons, adding value with appropriate questions, and independently locating information

@@@lead, guiding others, influencing others to act in a positive manner, teaching others, and helping to resolve conflicts

@@@add value to instruction, bringing in topic-related articles or objects, telling meaningful anecdotes from personal experience, and effectively using of technology to enhance the learning experience

@@@create/produce, making a "product" that is over and above what is required; demonstrating, articulating, and promoting your learning/understanding through creation @@@take pride in your work, paying attention to detail independently help others, giving of your own time and resources when appropriate