Employability skills grade

Employers and colleges are telling us (high school teachers) that students who work for them or attend their college don’t have “soft skills.” Soft skills are skills that are expected of you without any formal training. They expect these skills from you every day from the first time they meet you until the last day you are employed or finish college. My desire for you is to master these skills before you lose a paycheck or get kicked out of a college due to negligent behavior and lack of “soft skills.”

You will start out with 100 points at the beginning of the grading period. You may keep all 100 points as part of your grade if you master the following employability skills EACH DAY. Points will be deducted each time you do not achieve an individual skill. I will not tell you when you get a deduction because you are mature enough to know if you are abiding by the expectations of these guidelines. If you come to class and participate and meet all of the following skills, you will most likely not get any deductions and you will keep your 100 points for that day.

1. Dependability: Be on time; attend regularly; follow instructions the first time they are given; exhibit integrity.

2. Initiative: Show willingness to do more than is required, be highly motivated and determined.

3. Cooperation: Participate in class discussions and group-work; demonstrate willingness to work as a team member and assist others; be respectful of others and don’t talk while someone else is talking (esp. during a lecture or during question and answer time).

4. Judgment: Demonstrate the ability to make sound (good) decisions.

5. Attitude: Show a positive attitude toward work and co-workers (students).

6. Confidence: Believe in self and demonstrate self-control.

7. Adaptability: Adjust to change in work routine and assignments.

8. Communication: Express ideas and information clearly using proper terminology and grammar.

9. Responsibilities: Bring proper materials to class; use management skills to conserve time and energy; maintain handbook standards; follow safety rules and regulations.