The Education for Employment (E4E) Standard Questions and Answers

What is it?

It is one of the 20 Wisconsin State Educational Standards along with math, science, social studies, English, business, technology, and many others. E4E’s purpose is to ensure all students, regardless of career objectives, are given the skills, attitudes, and knowledge needed for successful future employment. We want to help all young people become responsible, caring, productive citizens.

That’s for high school students only, right?

No, all students means all students. E4E is a K-12 standard. There are expectations at all grade levels. Basically, these are general career awareness at the elementary level, active career exploration at the middle school level, and serious career planning at the high school level.

How long has this standard been around?

It has been around for over 20 years. However, it was revised in 2003. Each school district has had a plan on file to incorporate E4E into all curriculums. To develop the plan, each district assessed its current status and developed a plan to improve any areas needing attention. The plans were approved by local school boards and forwarded to the local Tech Prep Council. This council is a group of K-12 and technical college people who work to coordinate educational offerings between their levels of education. They help direct the technical college in developing regional activities to help local districts meet the E4E standard.

What are the standards in E4E?

They boil down to 7 elements, Partnerships and Coordination (between schools and the communities), Skills for the Future (like teamwork, communications, and others), Career Guidance (by all stakeholders, not just counselors), School-Supervised Work Experience, World Economy and Labor Markets, Contemporary Career and Technical Education programs, and Accountability.

Then is it just for Career and Technical Education classes and Guidance?

No, like reading, all subjects and grade levels need to help students develop the skills and attitudes that will help them be successful in their chosen career. It should be a part of every classroom’s instructional activities. Most classes already have activities going on that help students meet E4E standard. But coordinating these activities to assure every student has the same opportunities to learn employability skills is what the plan is all about.

Who should be involved in helping write the plan for students to meet E4E standards?

With E4E, we sometimes talk about “stakeholders”. Obviously, the students and local school staff are stakeholders. But just as important are parents, employers, and post-secondary education and training people. We all need to work together to help educate children for the world of work.

What’s in it for people who don’t have children in school, self-employed people, or employers rarely hire anyone?

When you do business somewhere, do you like to be treated well? How do you feel when you are not? Helping young people develop appropriate work ethics and habits is everyone’s job. And, as you know, communities where everyone pitches in to help are great places to live.