On May 22, I presented on a webinar sponsored by the Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education focused on employability skills and an Employability Skills Framework resource that the U.S. Department of Education has initiated. Over 300 individuals participated in the call, indicating the interest in the topic. Presenters in addition to ACTE, included several secondary and postsecondary education organizations, Skills USA, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor and IBM.
Stressed on the call was that the resources provided on the Employability Skills Framework "Choosing an Assessment" page are not intended to be a rating system or "best choice" option, but rather a diagnostic tool to help state and local education and workforce administrators, policy makers, educators, and employers think through important issues related to selecting an employability skills assessment.
Also communicated was that the Framework is intended to be useful for adult learning in addition to secondary and other postsecondary education. The site's development was partially funded with funds from the Division of Adult Education and Literacy at the U.S. Department of Education.
Many presenters noted the need for improving measurement of employability skills and that partnership will be needed to address the issue. The U.S. Department of Labor highlighted its 22 competency models which are available on the Career One Stop web page.
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