What skills are businesses seeking?

by Iowa Future

April 25, 2012

No comments

Lawton-Bronson CSD is taking a proactive step in helping to prepare its students for 21st century jobs by asking prospective employers what skills they believe are important to the success of their businesses.

The district surveyed about 100 employers in the community, as well as the nearby Sioux City metro area. Nearly half have replied so far.

“Our board and administration are focusing on the types of skills and experiences our students will need exposure to throughout their K-12 experience so they are best prepared for college and career success in the 21st century,” says Jeff Thelander, superintendent.

The online survey asked employers to consider 11 applied skills as defined by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills. Some of the key, initial findings include:

Skills most valued in current employees: critical thinking and problem solving, closely followed by professionalism/work ethic
Skills most often lacking in applicants: professionalism/work ethic
Skills requiring the most time and resources in trying to build in current staff: critical thinking and problem solving
Skills expected to be the most necessary for employee and business success in the future: work professionalism/work ethic

The survey results are “one of several data points that our administration and teacher leaders are examining as we prepare for staff development next year and as we review our annual learning goals for students in our district,” Thelander says.

“We want to make every attempt to focus our resources on the most important priorities,” Thelander says. “This survey provides us data to help in making those critically important decisions.”