Are high school seniors really not college or career ready?

Okay, so I was going through NPR and found a piece which stated that most high school seniors aren't college or career ready. It kind of freaked me out. I wanted to know how true this is from people who may have experienced this. Are our education systems not preparing us enough for the future?

While it's challenging to make sweeping generalizations about the readiness of all high school seniors, it's a fact that college and career readiness can vary widely based on several factors such as the quality of the high school, the resources available, the student's individual commitment, and the family and community support systems in place.

It is worth noting that readiness does not solely depend on factors like GPA or standardized test scores. Other things such as study habits, time management, emotional maturity, and other soft skills are equally essential to be successful in college or a career.

Getting 'college-ready' signifies a student's ability to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing college courses, while 'career-ready' means the student has the knowledge and skills needed to get entry-level jobs in a desired career field. Different colleges and careers require different sets of skills and expertise. Hence, just because a student lacks in certain areas does not mean they aren't ready for college or a career - it might just signify that they may need to catch up in some areas.

Moreover, it is important to remember that high school is merely one step in a much longer educational journey. Some students may need time in college to truly find their passions and excel acadically or professionally. Others may diversify into vocational training or apprenticeships that may better suit their skills and interests.

Some school systems do a remarkable job of preparing students, while others face challenges. It's a complex issue influenced by many variables, including funding, access to advanced courses, teacher quality, and individual student motivation. Some high school graduates may feel fully prepared to embark on their next step, while others may feel underprepared.

In the end, the best thing you can do is to take control of your own education. Use all resources at disposal, seek help when you need it, and be actively engaged in your learning process. College and career readiness is not a fixed attribute—you can always become more ready.

As students or parents, the responsibility falls upon you to evaluate your readiness and decide what path you wish to tread on after high school. It might even be valuable to discuss readiness with your teachers or school counselors as they can provide crucial insights and guidance.