Emerging Strategies for Policy Linkages
Michigan: Joint Development of a Career Preparation System
With
the goal of a transparent, integrated system of career development, the
Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Jobs Commission have launched
Michigan's Career Preparation System. This initiative was proposed by Governor
John English in the 1997 State of the State address. The system's goal is to
"ensure that each graduate will receive 
world-class skills and training that prepares them for higher education and their first job in today's competitive market." Integrated instruction, career exploration and guidance opportunities beginning in middle school, and an emphasis on postsecondary articulation opportunities form the basis of the system. During the first year, three-year plans are being developed by the state's Education Advisory Groups in each region's Workforce Development Board. During the second year, nearly $24 million will be allocated to begin to implement the Career Preparation system. Each region's plan must address seven components of the system: [1] academic preparation, [2] career development, [3] workplace readiness, [4] professional and technical education, [5] work-based learning, [6] accountability, and [7] school improvement. At the state level, 22 members have formed the Council for Career Preparation Standards, representing business, industry, education, labor, parents, and relevant state 
agencies. The primary responsibilities of the council are to maintain an information system regarding employment opportunities; set career competency standards for career clusters; and provide public information on career preparation opportunities to parents, students, and others.
Illinois and Indiana: Sharing Industry Skill Standards Development Resources
Throughout the 1990s, both Illinois and Indiana have had extensive involvement in the development of industry skill standards. The two states also work closely through the Council of Great Lakes Governors and have recently agreed to share their resources in the development, adoption, and assessments for each state's skill standards system.
