Economic Resource Council

Career Technical Education: Creating Options for High School Success

Chuck Neeley

A recent article appeared from Bonnie Graybill from the State of California that I thought was of interest:

Citing an estimated 30 percent high school dropout rate in the state, the commission said it found 'encouraging evidence' that what is now called 'career technical education,' or CTE, properly focused, 'can deliver an alternative approach to learning that can keep students engaged, help improve grade-point averages and prepare students for both the work world and higher education.'  The commission recommends that CTE programs already proven to work be replicated around the state 'to build a long-term, evidence-based strategy that fully integrates academically rigorous career technical education into the general education programs.'  It wants partnerships between those running CTE programs and potential employers, and says serious attention should be paid to expanding the shrinking number of teachers with both the technical expertise in their fields and academic credentialing." 

Sacramento Bee (November 19, 2007) A3.

http://www.lhc.ca.gov/lhcdir/189/Report189.pdf
 

Recruiting Trends 2007-2008

Chuck Neeley

Michigan State University, in conjunction with MonsterTRAK and Monster Intelligence recently published the above publication.  The Executive Summary pinpoints what is happening on college campuses right now with regards to recruiting.  Graduates with a Bachelor's Degree in IT, and MBAs will continue to be in high demand.  Larger employers are getting aggressive in scooping up college grads to fill their huge pool of Baby Boomers that are about to exit the workforce.  While college graduates will bring energy, enthusiasm, and drive, their spirit of company loyalty will be lacking.  For more details, here is the link:

http://media.monster.com/monstertrak/gfx_email/gfx_msu/rt7-8finald.pdf

UCLA Economic Forecast

Chuck Neeley

UCLA publishes an economic forecast periodically throughout the year.  The most recent one from September 12, 2007, is entitled "U.S. Economy A "Near Recession" Experience.  It paints the picture that California will fortunately avoid recession in the near term.  That is good news!  Here in Nevada County the picture is yet a little brighter, with predictions that the housing market may turn around and become positive again in the next 12-18 months.  As we close out 2007, there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel!  We will continue to track the economy closely.  Here is the UCLA Forecast:

http://uclaforecast.com/contents/archive/media_9_07_1.asp