News |
February 28 , 2008 View archived newsletters |
Field Testing Begins in March: Join us! SkillsUSA is seeking field-test sites in a variety of technical areas. Become one of the first to experience our online, industry-driven assessments for a new generation by joining us as a field-test site. The first six assessments to help students prove technical skills, knowledge and readiness for work are nearing completion. Students and employers will benefit as the Skill Connect Assessments help connect skilled workers and potential employers. Career and technical education also will benefit as the development team works to ensure validity and reliability of the assessments. Skill Connect Assessments achieve content validity because they are industry-driven, and they achieve process validity by following the protocol of approved standardized test development processes. Now, we’re making efforts to ensure the reliability of assessment questions. Career and Technical Education, Job Corps and other programs can be a part of this initiative by serving as pilot test sites. Field testing will begin in early- to mid-March, and test sites should provide computers as the appropriate testing environment for online assessments. Geographically diverse sites are needed in the following areas:
If you are interested in serving as a test site, please complete this form, or contact us today with additional questions. Industry Leaders Guide Success Industry, education and policy leaders who serve on the Technical Advisory Committee gathered in Washington, DC, on February 5 to guide the team developing the SkillsUSA Work Force Ready System. USDA Rural Development hosted the event, and Chief of Staff Jim Fitzgerald addressed the group about the importance of workforce development in rural areas. Key discussion topics included the benefits of Skill Connect Assessments to each constituent group, how to use them effectively and the need to continue working with industry and education needs. The committee also provided suggestions for success in vulnerable communities. Contact us to learn more about the Technical Advisory Committee. The group will reconvene in June and September 2008.
Skill Connect Assessments are being designed to provide a skill gap analysis to students and teachers. What does this mean to you? Through our premiere Learning Management System, students can understand which competencies are their strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, instructors can use aggregated data to understand strengths and weaknesses of their programs, ultimately driving instructional improvement. We’re committed to serving the American workforce with industry-driven assessments. And we’re committed to serving instructional programs by simplifying the process and maximizing the benefits. Learn more about the cutting-edge capabilities of our system. Upcoming Events March 3: Technical Committee Chairs Meeting; Leesburg, VA Sign up today to receive our monthly e-Newsletter Also, check out our online newsroom for the latest media releases. |
- Eugene G. Hornberger
When we say SkillsUSA is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled work force, the kind of thing we’re talking about is what we’re doing with the Work Force Ready System. It takes a team of diverse industry representation to build 46 technical assessments in the spirit of volunteers who serve on each technical committee. Members of our Technical Advisory Committee who met earlier this month provide invaluable guidance. Our psychometricians and evaluators help assure the reliability of each assessment. As we prepare to launch our first six assessments this spring, we hope you’ll get involved as well. Whether it is helping your students take assessments, providing feedback on the system or serving as a field-test site, there is a place for you to be a part of the team that will provide opportunities for students and employers through the Work Force Ready System. SkillsUSA and the Work Force Ready System make a powerful difference because of our partnerships. Thank you for joining us in this important work. |
|
