Representing Louisiana at the National ACT Conference in Nashville Celebrating College and Career Readiness on a National Stage This week I had the incredible privilege of representing the EBR Workforce Development Department at the ACT Conference in Nashville, Tennessee . Standing alongside educators and leaders from across the country, I was reminded of something that has guided my career for more than two decades: when we invest in students and create meaningful opportunities, amazing things happen. Our team had the opportunity to share the incredible work taking place throughout East Baton Rouge Parish as we continue expanding career pathways, industry-based credentials, work-based learning opportunities, and college readiness initiatives. It was an honor to showcase how our district is helping students graduate with not only a diploma, but also the skills, experiences, and credentials they need to succeed after high school. One of the most rewarding moments of the conference ...
5 profound insights about College and Career Readiness (CCR) that most people—educators, policymakers, and even parents—often overlook: 1. “Readiness” is Not About GPA or Test Scores—It’s About Agency Most CCR models overemphasize academic metrics, but true readiness lies in a student's ability to self-direct, problem-solve, and navigate complexity. A student with a 3.8 GPA who’s never had to advocate for themselves is less ready than a B-student who’s held a job, failed at something, and bounced back. 2. College and Career Aren’t Two Tracks—They’re One Interconnected Path We falsely frame college and career as either/or, when in reality, they’re mutually reinforcing. The best career paths often require some postsecondary learning, and the smartest college decisions are made with career outcomes in mind. Every student needs both awareness and access to options across the spectrum. 3. “Soft Skills” Are Actually Core Skills Communication, reliability, teamwork, adaptability—these...