Saba Rasheed Ali, PhD, is a professor in counseling psychology and associate dean for research in the College of Education at the University of Iowa. She recently offered some pros and cons about career pathways, a new program that is gaining traction in Iowa school districts—but not without some questions and concerns from parents.
The following excerpts are from the interview:
“A new career pathways program launching in Cedar Rapids next year is drawing concerns and questions from parents. Meetings this week became heated at times with parents questioning a new Career Pathways model coming to Cedar Rapids Schools.”
“The district chose its career pathways based on the careers Eastern Iowa has to offer. The hope is to grow the next generation of workforce right here at home.
… That’s where experts say career pathways programs can be successful. Saba Ali with the University of Iowa studied career pathways.
‘When I was doing the research in West Virginia, what I found was that those who wanted skills and to have a skilled job after high school were able to stay in the location because it matched them to the industries there,’” Ali said.