Some Things Never Change.
I just read a really great article that appeared in Education Week by Mark Lieberman, titled, “Top U.S. Companies: These are the Skills Students Need in a Post-Pandemic World‘. Schools have always tried to stay tuned to what business needs from our graduates. ISB is no different in this respect. We want our students to confidently go into the world, off to college, or training.
What was interesting in this article was the most of the standards are still in there, like ‘communication skills and ‘self-management. However, this article highlights the ‘new skills’ students are going to need in a world where the business has been turned on it’s head by the pandemic.
Lottie Holland, director of talent acquisition, diversity, inclusion, and engagement at Chrysler related a very new skill by saying,
Our rapid transition to the virtual environment has accelerated the importance of communicating effectively through a host of mobile devices and digital platforms. Unlike in-person interactions, virtual environments inhibit reading and responding timely to many critical nonverbal cues.’ (Lieberman)
It is really interesting to see these new skills. What is really encouraging is that many of the skills already ‘live’ in what we are teaching at ISB and give us the confidence to stay the course. It also shows us some areas we can grow. This is a difficult time, yet exciting as new opportunities are arising. We hope all is well for you and that we move forward ensuring our students leave ISB with the skills to be successful.
Lieberman, Mark. “Top U.S. Companies: These Are the Skills Students Need in a Post-Pandemic World.” Education Week, 2 Mar. 2021, www.edweek.org/technology/top-u-s-companies-these-are-the-skills-students-need-in-a-post-pandemic-world/2021/03. Accessed 19 Mar. 2021.
Bell’s Recommendations
Shuggie Bain – by Douglas Stuart
Shuggie is coming of age when things are rough and tough in Glasgow. It is the 1980’s and the world is struggling with drugs, a jobs shortage, and general unrest. In this stark reminder of how things were, we see amazing characters deal with the cards they are dealt. This isn’t an easy book as the scenes are often tough emotionally, with spousal abuse, addiction, floundering, and at times just mayhem. Yet we need these types of books to remind us that we are lucky to be alive now and that things could always be tougher. That being said the language, and story are so visual that you will feel at times you are right in the cab with them.
Kehe’s Recommendations
When we Were Lost – By Kevin Wignall
A HS school trip to Costa Rica goes horribly wrong as the plane comes down in the middle of a vaste jungle, miles off course. Nineteen students who were at the back of the plane survive, those in the front are not so lucky. Joel, a popular student, appoints himself as the leader immediately but early on his decisions illustrate his inadequacy for this role especially as Tom, a quiet loner, who is not interested in popularity or power but the survival of the group begins to emerge and challenge Joel’s authority. As the story unfolds, various characters surface and as expected it is not necessarily the popular kids who ensure the fate of the group, but the skills and smarts of the ‘nerd’s’ which prove essential in the survival of the group :) And of course some strong, smart, female characters. The ultimate Adventure/Survival – a definite page turner.
