Building Workforce-Ready Students: A Developmental Approach to Durable Skills for College and Career from Grades 6–12
As states across the U.S. prioritize workforce readiness through legislative initiatives, the development of durable skills, also known as “soft skills,” has become increasingly crucial for student success. Durable skills include a combination of how you use what you know and character skills. An extensive analysis of 76 million job postings conducted by America Succeeds shows that 8 of the top 10 most-requested skills by employers are these transferable, durable skills rather than technical competencies. These durable skills are highly sought after by employers across various industries, enabling students to thrive in both academic and professional environments.
Based on this research and integrated with Edmentum's career-connected learning (CCL) solutions, Edmentum Career strategically introduces durable skills aligned with students' developmental stages. The middle school curricula focus on seven foundational skills: critical thinking, growth mindset, metacognition, creativity, communication, character, and mindfulness. High school expands this foundation by adding collaboration, fortitude, and leadership, matching students' growing capacity for abstract thinking and complex problem-solving. This comprehensive approach, delivered through student-centered learning and career-exploration opportunities, prepares students for both academic success and evolving workforce demands.
More than just workplace competencies, durable skills are the essential human skills that empower learners to think critically, collaborate effectively, and adapt with resilience. Edmentum Career prioritizes these skills from middle school through high school, powering paths from exploration to employability with a focus on providing the connective tissue between academic learning and real-world application.
This paper discusses:
- CTE policy and legislation
- social development in middle school
- cognitive development in high school
- how Edmentum integrates durable skills into career-connected learning