The Anchorage School District will be giving 11th-graders the nationally standardized ACT WorkKeys assessments in three entry-level academic skills that employers find most value:
- reading for information
- applied mathematics
- and locating information
The ACT Company has done extensive research on thousands of occupations to find the skills that successful employees actually use on the job. Students with these academic skills are more prepared to learn specific skills on the job and to succeed in training after high school. WorkKeys can help students see the connection between their high school classes and their futures.
Students may receive a nationally recognized credential. This National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) documents their achievement in the three skills areas mentioned above. NCRCs and score reports can be shown to prospective employers and listed on resumes’ and job applications. Many employers nationwide now look for career readiness certificates.
WorkKeys assessments use a scoring system of 3 to 6 or 7, depending on the test. The higher the student’s skill level, the more jobs he or she will be better prepared to enter.
ACT awards National Career Readiness Certificates at four levels. Students who score at least 6 on all three WorkKeys assessments receive the Platinum Credential. Those who lowest score is 5 on any of the three assessments receive the Gold Credential. Students whose lowest score is 4 on any test receive the Silver Credential, and those whose lowest score is a 3 on any test receive the Bronze Credential.
Parents can use WorkKeys as an opportunity to talk to their students about career interests, the skills that employers look for, and the relevance of school to future employment. For more information about WorkKeys you can go to www.act.org/workkeys.
WorkKeys can become a valuable piece of the puzzle for students as they examine their career goals. Preparing for the National Career Readiness Certificate helps students define career goals and build the skills that employers and post-high school training programs want to see.
Here are some other ways you can help your student explore the future:
- Talk about your own job and how you decided on your occupational area. Ask family members and friends to share their educational and work experiences with your student.
- Ask your student about his/her interests and abilities.
- Point out examples of occupations you encounter in daily life, such as teacher, pharmacist, construction worker, dental hygienist, office worker, plumber, carpet layer, sales person, tour guide, chef, welder, ship worker, truck driver, real estate agent, banker, store clerk, fast food worker, utility worker, receptionist, etc.
- Talk to your student about broad career areas and the variety of occupations that fall under an area. For example if your child is interested in healthcare, there is an assortment of occupations with varying levels of training that he or she might consider, such as pharmacist, x-ray technician, doctor, medical receptionist, dental hygienist, nurse, physician assistant, physical therapist, dentist, medical billing specialist, pharmacy technician, dietician, and many more.
- Encourage your student to talk to his/her school guidance counselor or career resource advisor for more information on career & technical high school and college programs, apprenticeships, occupational certificates, and 2 and 4-year degrees.
Parents and students please remember, as with all standardized tests, students are not allowed to have any electronic device on their person during this test. It would be best if they could leave all such items at home for the duration of the testing period. The stakes are very high for these exams and it would be a tragedy if anyone’s test should be invalidated due to possession of one of these devices.
As time draws near I will keep you posted of any changes that should occur.
Harlod Green
Principal/Steller Secondary