Transition From School to Work: H.R. 2884 Addresses Components of Comprehensive Strategy

GAO discussed the status of state comprehensive school-to-work transition strategies. GAO noted that: (1) only four states have enacted statutes to develop and implement such strategies; (2) a comprehensive school-to-work strategy includes development of students' academic and occupational competencies, career education and development, coordination between school systems and employers, and meaningful work-place experiences; (3) 9 other states are in various stages of considering school-to-work transition strategies; (4) most school districts are concentrating on developing students' academic and occupational competencies and reducing dropout rates; (5) Florida is the only state with a comprehensive career education, guidance, and development program; (6) Oregon and Wisconsin are the only states that have established joint state-business-labor bodies to coordinate and monitor school-to-work transition efforts; (7) most school districts' work-place exposure programs generally focus on vocational students and those at risk of dropping out; (8) obstacles to implementing comprehensive school-to-work strategies include employers' reluctance to hire youth, limited business contacts, parents' aversion to workplace-oriented programs, limited state funding, and the lack of information on lessons learned; and (9) proposed legislation addresses all the necessary components of a comprehensive school-to-work transition strategy.