Keys to success

Re the Jan. 6 article Dade high school graduation rates continue to climb: Obtaining a high school diploma is a crucial piece of the puzzle — when it comes to succeeding in college and beyond — but it isn’t the only piece. It is imperative for school districts to think past graduation and consider how students will use the skills and resources they were given to plan for the future.

In the United States, job forecasts indicate that more than 65 percent of all future employment opportunities will require candidates to have some post-secondary education, whether it’s a four-year degree, master’s degree or technical or job specific training. While the graduation rate is rising, students who don’t see the connection between high school and the working world will struggle to truly become future ready. Under Superintendent Alberto Carvalho’s leadership, students in Miami-Dade have achieved success resulting from a well-rounded educational experience that has provided access to a network of professionals, a curriculum applicable to the working world and work-based learning experiences.

When education and business work together, we can close the skills gap and increase academic achievement with real-world application — providing our students and America’s future workforce with all of the keys to success.

This story was originally published January 15, 2016 at 6:44 PM with the headline "Keys to success."