The School-to-Work Revolution: How Employers and Educators Are Joining Forces to Prepare Tomorrow's Skilled Workforce - Review

By Lynn Olson Perseus Books, 1998, 328 pages, ISBN: 0-7382-0029-8.

In a world where knowledge increasingly determines income, the educational levels of Americans have enormous consequences for not only individuals but society as a whole. Although higher education is becoming necessary for securing a job, employers may feel graduates lack maturity and practical, hands-on work experience. Likewise, many educators resent being blamed for problems beyond their control and may distrust or envy corporations.

Written by a journalist specializing in education, The School-to-Work Revolution attempts to bridge the gap between academia and the "real world." It also explains how businesses and educational institutions can benefit from school-to-work initiatives.

The book is divided into eight chapters. The first chapter explains why there needs to be an alliance between schools and the business community. The second chapter discusses what is wrong with the educational system and suggests solutions, including the need for a solid academic core for all high school students regardless of whether they are college-bound or not. The third chapter shows how businesses can profit from school-to-work programs.

The fourth chapter discusses the role of higher education in the school-to-work process. Colleges and universities are increasingly requiring practical work experience as part of the curriculum. Students who complete internship programs or volunteer service are better prepared for entering the workforce, according to the book.

The remaining four chapters reveal the more practical aspects of school-to-work programs. For example, one chapter covers school-to-work programs that are already in place. Another chapter discusses what needs to be done in the future.

Students, university officials and educational leaders are quoted throughout the book. And key points are summarized at the end of each chapter.

COPYRIGHT 1999 Society for Human Resource Management
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