Embedding Workplace Readiness Skillsinto Programs of Study

Presented at the CTECS Community of Practice MeetingRichmond, VA

November 6, 2019

Kathryn Piper CrespinDemographics Research Group

Weldon Cooper Center for Public ServiceUniversity of Virginia

OVERVIEWOF WORKPLACE READINESS SKILLS IN VIRGINIA

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureVirginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills represent the first 22 competencies of every CTE course in the state.

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureCurriculum Development and Implementation

• Online• One hour, timed• 100 questions• Multiple choice• Four possible answers• 9th-grade reading level• Double randomized• Instant results• Pass score: 75%• Digital badge

• Accommodations available

• Easy to administer• Online learning modules,

guided- and self-study• Pre- and post-tests

available• Up to two retakes per

student per school year• Summer testing

EXAM FEATURES

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureWorkplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination

This stand-alone Workplace Readiness Skills certification and credential was implemented in 2011.

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureWorkplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination

13,122(63.3%)

22,127(63.6%)

28,349(71.4%)

33,665(71.8%)

30,775(67.7%)

42,313(76.6%)

50,620(84.3%) 44,892

(81.1%)7,620

12,671

11,356

13,24814,710

12,904

9,10610,459

0

10,000

20,000

30,000

40,000

50,000

60,000

70,000

2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17 2017-18 2018-19

Num

ber o

f tes

ts a

ttem

pted

Annual WRS for the Commonwealth Assessment Pass Rate

Passed Did not pass

HISTORYOF WORKPLACE READINESS SKILLS IN VIRGINIA

1985

Changing Job Skills in Virginia

Virginia’s Changing

Workplace

Listening to Employers, Educating

Tomorrow’s Workforce

Timeline of Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills Research

1993-1997 2008-2011 2017-2019

Virginia Workplace Readiness

Skills:Framework for

the Future

COMPUTERIZATION21

34

SPECIALIZATION

WORKING IN TEAMS

CUSTOMER-CLIENT ORIENTATION

THE PACE OF CHANGE6

THE SPREAD OF TECHNOLOGY

5 REASONING AND GENERALIZATION

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

COMPUTER LITERACY

MATH

READING

WRITING

SPEAKING“BASIC” SKILLS

Changing Job Skills in VirginiaEmployer Interviews

THE COMPUTERIZED WORKPLACE

1WORKER EMPOWERMENT

RISING EDUCATIONAL EXPECTATIONS, PROFESSIONALIZATION, AND CREDENTIALISM

CUSTOMER SERVICE

THE FLEXIBLE WORKPLACE

EMPLOYEE WORK ETHIC

CONSTANT CHANGE / LIFELONG LEARNING

234567

1) Reading2) Math3) Writing4) Speaking & Listening5) Computer Literacy6) Reasoning, Problem-Solving, and Decision-Making7) Understanding of the “Big Picture”8) Strong Work Ethic9) Positive Attitude10) Independence & Initiative11) Self-Presentation12) Satisfactory Attendance13) Teamwork

Virginia’s Original 13 Workplace Readiness Skills

Virginia’s Changing WorkplaceEmployer Interviews

Comprehensive review of existing skill frameworks

and related research

Draft of new list of 21 Workplace

Readiness Skills for Virginia

Online survey of over 300 Virginia

employers and workforce

professionals

Listening to Employers, Educating Tomorrow’s WorkforceResearch Process

Listening to Employers, Educating Tomorrow’s WorkforceVirginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills

1985

Changing Job Skills in Virginia

Virginia’s Changing

Workplace

Listening to Employers, Educating

Tomorrow’s Workforce

Timeline of Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills Research

1993-1997 2008-2011 2017-2019

Virginia Workplace Readiness

Skills:Framework for

the Future

SEC. 2. PURPOSE.“The purpose of this Act is to develop more fully the academic knowledge and technical and employability skills of secondary education students and postsecondary education students who elect to enroll in career and technical education programs and programs of study.”

SEC. 122(d)(8)(A). STATE PLAN CONTENTS.“…a description of how funds received…will most effectively provide students with the skills needed to succeed in the workplace.”

SEC. 134(e)(2)(E). LOCAL APPLICATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS. CONTINUED CONSULTATION.“Ensure programs of study…allow employer input, including input from industry or sector partnerships in the local area, where applicable, into the development and implementation of programs of study to ensure such programs of study align with skills required by local employment opportunities, including activities such as the identification of relevant standards, curriculum, industry-recognized credentials, and current technology and equipment.”

Why update the skills?(Answer 1: Perkins V tells us we should.)

SEC. 135(b)(5)(F). REQUIREMENTS FOR USES OF FUNDS.“Plan and carry out elements…that result in……industry-recognized certification examinations or other assessments leading toward a recognized postsecondary credential.”

SEC. 135(b)(5)(B). REQUIREMENTS FOR USES OF FUNDS.“Plan and carry out elements…that result in…

…sustainable relationships among education, business and industry, and other community stakeholders, including industry or sector partnerships in the local area, where applicable, that are designed to facilitate the process of continuously updating and aligning programs of study with skills that are in demand in the State, regional, or local economy…”

Why update the skills?(Answer 1: Perkins V tells us we should.)

SEC. 135(b)(5)(L). REQUIREMENTS FOR USES OF FUNDS.“Plan and carry out elements…that result in……supporting the integration of employability skills into career and technical education programs and programs of study, including through family and consumer science programs;

WORKPLACE SUCCESS

Why update the skills?(Answer 2: It’s necessary in order for students to be adequately prepared for today’s workplace.)

LATEST RESEARCHON WORKPLACE READINESS SKILLS IN VIRGINIA

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureWho was involved?

Workplace Readiness Skills Update Team:

• Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

• University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service

• CTE Resource Center

• CTECS (Career and Technical Education Consortium of States)

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureOverview of Update Process

SKILL UPDATES CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH:LITERATURE REVIEW

ASSESSMENT DEVELOPMENT

RESEARCH:ONLINE SURVEY

RESEARCH:SKILL FRAMEWORK

COMPARISON

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureUpdate Process Timeline

Fall 2019

• Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education initiates WRS update process

• Cooper Center conducts research, surveys Virginia employers and workforce professionals, and releases full report

• Updated skill framework is finalized• CTE Resource Center prepares new skills for

incorporation into curriculum• CTECS develops new skill assessments

• New skill framework released to the public and incorporated into CTE curriculum.

2018-2019

2017

Fall 2016

RESEARCH PROCESS

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureResearch Process

Comprehensive review of more

than 70 reports, publications, and

websites

Cataloguing, indexing, and comparison of

over 25 skill frameworks

Online survey of nearly 400

Virginia employers and workforce professionals

AUTOMATION21

34

GLOBALIZATION

RAPID AND CONTINUOUS INNOVATION

ORGANIZATIONAL RESTRUCTURING

TIME- AND POWER-SHIFTING6

INFORMATION REVOLUTION

5

2 + 4

ABC

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureResearch and Literature Review – Workplace Trends

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSkill Framework Comparison

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey of Virginia’s Employers and Workforce Professionals

• Survey administered June 19-August 9, 2017• Web-based using Qualtrics• 6 questions• 10 minutes or less to complete• Both closed- and open-ended questions• 2,396 Virginia employers and workforce

professionals were invited to take the survey via email• 395 completed surveys

SURVEY FEATURES

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Questions

Which CTE career cluster best describes your company or organization? (required)CTE CAREER CLUSTER

How important is each workplace readiness skill for entry-level workers in your organization? (required)CURRENT SKILL IMPORTANCE

What workplace readiness skills are today's entry-level employees lacking the most? (list up to five)MOST LACKING SKILLS

In about five years from now, how important will each workplace readiness skill be for entry-level workers?FUTURE SKILL IMPORTANCE

What workplace readiness skills, if any, do you believe are missing from the current framework and should be added?MISSING SKILLS

What additional comments or thoughts do you have about workplace readiness skills?OPEN COMMENT

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Current Skill Importance

Extremely important Very important

· Critical Thinking and Problem Solving · Conflict Resolution

· Customer Service · Creativity and Innovation

· Health and Safety · Information Technology

· Information Literacy · Job-Specific Technologies

· Initiative and Self-Direction · Organizations, Systems, and Climates

· Integrity · Telecommunications

· Internet Use and Security

· Lifelong Learning Moderately important

· Positive Work Ethic · Job Acquisition and Advancement

· Reading and Writing · Mathematics

· Respect for Diversity

· Self-Representation

· Speaking and Listening

· Teamwork

· Time, Task, and Resource Management

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Current Skill Importance

Workplace Readiness Skills in Order of Current ImportanceSkill MetricIntegrity 4.73Positive Work Ethic 4.71Speaking and Listening 4.66Teamwork 4.57Customer Service 4.53Critical Thinking and Problem Solving 4.48Reading and Writing 4.44Respect for Diversity 4.40Time, Task, and Resource Management 4.39Initiative and Self-Direction 4.36Information Literacy 4.27Self-Representation 4.26Internet Use and Security 4.18Health and Safety 4.16Lifelong Learning 4.16Conflict Resolution 4.13Information Technology 4.12Job-Specific Technologies 4.07Organizations, Systems, and Climates 3.97Creativity and Innovation 3.93Telecommunications 3.84Mathematics 3.53Job Acquisition and Advancement 3.45

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Future Skill Importance

More important in the future About the same importance in the future

· Creativity and Innovation · Conflict Resolution

· Critical Thinking and Problem Solving · Health and Safety

· Customer Service · Integrity

· Information Literacy · Job Acquisition and Advancement

· Information Technology · Mathematics

· Initiative and Self-Direction · Organizations, Systems, and Climates

· Internet Use and Security · Reading and Writing

· Job-Specific Technologies · Self-Representation

· Lifelong Learning

· Positive Work Ethic

· Respect for Diversity

· Speaking and Listening

· Teamwork

· Telecommunications

· Time, Task, and Resource Management

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Future Skill Importance

Workplace Readiness Skills in Order of Future ImportanceSkill MetricCritical Thinking and Problem Solving 2.70Information Technology 2.69Initiative and Self-Direction 2.63Information Literacy 2.63Creativity and Innovation 2.60Respect for Diversity 2.59Internet Use and Security 2.59Teamwork 2.58Lifelong Learning 2.57Time, Task, and Resource Management 2.55Job-Specific Technologies 2.54Speaking and Listening 2.54Customer Service 2.53Positive Work Ethic 2.51Telecommunications 2.50Conflict Resolution 2.46Integrity 2.46Organizations, Systems, and Climates 2.46Reading and Writing 2.44Health and Safety 2.29Mathematics 2.24Job Acquisition and Advancement 2.20Self-Representation 2.19

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Skills Most Lacking

214185

175135

121111111

8383

6054

4843

413534

3124

2119

121010

7

Critical Thinking and Problem SolvingPositive Work Ethic

Initiative and Self-DirectionTime, Task, and Resource Management

Speaking and ListeningConflict Resolution

Customer ServiceReading and Writing

TeamworkSelf-Representation

IntegrityMathematics

Job-Specific TechnologiesCreativity and Innovation

Lifelong LearningRespect for DiversityInformation Literacy

Organizations, Systems, and ClimatesInternet Use and Security

Information TechnologyJob Acquisition and Advancement

Health and Safety Other

Telecommunications

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Missing Skills

•Initiative and Self-Direction•Communication Skills (in general)•Work Ethic•Cross-Cultural Competence / Global Outlook•Teamwork•Interpersonal / Social Skills (in general)•Writing•Accountability•Attendance / Punctuality•Realistic Expectations about Nature of Work•Related Work Experience•Problem Solving

•Reading•Professionalism•Drug-Free•Time Management•Accepts Constructive Criticism Well•Critical Thinking•Big Picture Thinking•Ethics•Job-Specific Skills•Responsibility•Respect•Speaking

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSurvey Results—Open Comments—Common Themes

More hands-on, real-life work experience

Better interpersonal skills

More initiative and self-direction

Greater emphasis on work ethic and responsibility

SKILL UPDATES

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSkill Updates

Revised skill domains

OLD

Personal Qualities and People Skills

Professional Knowledge and Skills

Technology Knowledge and Skills

NEW

Personal Qualities and Abilities

Interpersonal Skills

Professional Competencies

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSkill Updates

Added two new skills

Information Literacy(NEW)

Locates information efficiently, evaluates the credibility and relevance of sources and facts, and uses information effectively to accomplish work-related tasks

Initiative and Self-Direction(NEW)

Independently looks for ways to improve the workplace and accomplish tasks

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSkill Updates

Merged two skills, eliminating one

Telecommunications

Selects and uses appropriate devices, services, and applications

Information Technology

(OLD)

Uses computers, file management techniques, and software/programs effectively

Information Technology

(NEW)

Maintains a working knowledge of devices, resources, hardware, software, systems, services, applications, and IT conventions

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureSkill Updates

Shifted, merged, revised, and/or enhanced key concepts among the

following groups of skills

• Integrity / Positive Work Ethic / Self-Representation• Health and Safety / Job Acquisition and Advancement / Lifelong Learning

Revised/Refined titles and definitions

• Creativity and Resourcefulness• Customer Service • Diversity Awareness • Internet Use and Security

Kept titles, but refined definitions

• Job-Specific Technologies• Organizations, Systems, and Climates• Speaking and Listening• Time, Task, and Resource Management

• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving• Mathematics• Reading and Writing• Teamwork

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureAddressing “Missing” Skills

“Missing” Skill

Included in old

framework?

Included in new

framework?Initiative and Self-Direction Y YCommunication Skills (general) N NWork Ethic Y YDiversity/Cross-Cultural/Global Outlook Y YTeamwork Y YInterpersonal/Social Skills (general) N NWriting Y YAccountability N YAttendance/Punctuality Y YRealistic Expectations about Work N YRelated Work Experience N NProblem Solving Y YReading Y YProfessionalism Y YDrug-Free N NTime Management Y YAccepts Constructive Criticism Well N YCritical Thinking Y Y"Big Picture" Thinking Y YEthics Y YJob-Specific Y YResponsibility N YRespect N YSpeaking Y Y

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureNew Skill Framework

Personal Qualities and Abilities

1. CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION: Employs originality, inventiveness, and resourcefulness in the workplace

2. CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Uses sound reasoning to analyze problems, evaluate potential solutions, and implement effective courses of action

3. INITIATIVE AND SELF-DIRECTION: Independently looks for ways to improve the workplace and accomplish tasks

4. INTEGRITY: Complies with laws, procedures, and workplace policies; demonstrates honesty, fairness, and respect

5. WORK ETHIC: Consistently works to the best of one’s ability and is diligent, dependable, and accountable for one’s actions

Interpersonal Skills

6. CONFLICT RESOLUTION: Negotiates diplomatic solutions to interpersonal and workplace issues

7. CUSTOMER SERVICE: Anticipates and addresses the needs of customers and coworkers, providing thoughtful, courteous, and knowledgeable service

8. LISTENING AND SPEAKING: Listens attentively and asks questions to clarify meaning; articulates ideas clearly in a manner appropriate for the setting and audience

9. RESPECT FOR DIVERSITY: Values individual differences and works collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and experiences

10. TEAMWORK: Shares responsibility for collaborative work and respects the thoughts, opinions, and contributions of other team members

Professional Competencies

11. “BIG PICTURE” THINKING: Understands one’s role in fulfilling the mission of the workplace and considers the social, economic, and environmental impacts of one’s actions

12. CAREER AND LIFE MANAGEMENT: Plans, implements, and manages personal and professional development goals related to education, career, finances, and health

13. CONTINUOUS LEARNING AND ADAPTABILITY: Accepts constructive feedback and is open to new ideas and ways of doing things; continuously develops professional skills and knowledge to adjust to changing job requirements

14. EFFICIENCY AND PRODUCTIVITY: Plans, prioritizes, and adapts work goals to manage time and resources effectively

15. INFORMATION LITERACY: Locates information efficiently, evaluates the credibility and relevance of sources and facts, and uses information effectively to accomplish work-related tasks

16. INFORMATION SECURITY: Understands basic internet and email safety and follows workplace protocols to maintain the security of information, computers, networks, and facilities

17. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Maintains a working knowledge of devices, resources, hardware, software, systems, services, applications, and IT conventions

18. JOB-SPECIFIC TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGIES:Knows how to select and safely use industry-specific technologies, tools, and machines to complete job tasks effectively

19. MATHEMATICS: Applies mathematical skills to complete tasks as necessary

20. PROFESSIONALISM: Meets organizational expectations regarding work schedule, behavior, appearance, and communication

21. READING AND WRITING: Reads and interprets workplace documents and writes effectively

22. WORKPLACE SAFETY: Maintains a safe work environment by adhering to safety guidelines and identifying risks to self and others

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureCurriculum Development and Implementation

• The CTE Resource Center hosted a two-day WRS curriculum development meeting in May 2018.

• At this meeting, panels of educators and industry representatives were consulted to help define curricular tasks and competencies for the newly updated Workplace Readiness Skills.

• Meeting participants also identified skill correlations with Standards of Learning.

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureAssessment Development

• CTECS hosted a two-day WRS assessment item development meeting in October 2018.

• At this meeting, panels of educators and industry representatives were involved in focus groups to develop WRS test items.

• Potential test questions were then later vetted by the CTECS assessment experts for inclusion in the Workplace Readiness Skills for the Commonwealth Examination.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureYouth Labor Force Participation

Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/lau/ex14tables.htm (*2018 data are preliminary)

Ages 16-19

Ages 20-24

Ages 25-64

Ages 65+

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018*

Percent in Labor Force by Age Group, Virginia, 2001-2018

Ages 16-19-23%

Ages 20-24-2%

Ages 25-64-2%

Ages 65+49%

-30%

-20%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

Percent Change in Labor Force Participation by Age Group, Virginia, 2001-2018

Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/lau/ex14tables.htm (*2018 data are preliminary)

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureYouth Labor Force Participation

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Labor Force Participation and School Enrollment of Virginia Youth, Ages 16-24, 1960-2010

Percent in labor force Percent enrolled in school Percent in labor force while enrolled in school

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureYouth Labor Force Participation and School Enrollment

Data source: U.S. decennial census (1960-2000) and American Community Survey (2010) microdata, IPUMS-USA, University of Minnesota, www.ipums.org

Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills: Framework for the FutureYouth Labor Force Participation and School Enrollment

Decreasing youth labor force participation coupled with increasing school enrollment means that school-based workplace readiness skills preparation—such as Virginia’s Workplace Readiness Skills program—will become an even more vital resource for CTE students in the future.

To view the 2017 Workplace Readiness Skills report, follow this link:http://www.doe.virginia.gov/instruction/career_technical/workplace_readiness/wrs-research-report.pdf

For more information, please contact:

Kathryn Piper CrespinResearch and Policy Analyst

Demographics Research Groupkathryn.crespin@virginia.edu

434.982.5582University of Virginia

Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service