Hardin County Schools Superintendent Nannette Johnston announced the details of the district’s new Work Ethic Certification program Wednesday at the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon.
“The Work Ethic Certification program has the ability to change lives and tremendously affect economic success in this region,” Johnston noted. “The participants in this program will be more than ready to take the next step after graduation; no matter if it is college or career.”
Starting in the 2013-14 school year, high school seniors can elect to participate in the Work Ethic Certification Program. As a participant, they must demonstrate proficiency in eight standards in order to earn the certification. The certificate will serve as validation that students have successfully displayed strong work habits fostering success in higher education and the workplace.
Combined with the criteria and standards they must meet, Work Ethic Certification participants will receive Junior Achievement Success Skills curriculum instruction from community volunteers. The 2013 Hardin County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class has chosen this program for an ongoing project. The Leadership Class will send its members into the classroom next school year.
“We’re excited that our 2013 leadership class is stepping forward and helping to develop the future workforce of our region. It’s a win-win for the students and local employers,” said Brad Richardson, Hardin County Chamber of Commerce President & CEO.
The Hardin County Chamber will be asking business and industry to show their support by granting Work Ethic Certification graduates a job interview. An interview may not lead to a hire, but it will give the graduate the priceless experience of an interview.
“The rest of our membership can help too,” Richardson added. “Hardin County Schools wants certified graduates to learn what it’s like to interview with a prospective employer. Chamber members willing to provide graduates with that interview experience, even if you aren’t hiring, would be of great benefit no matter what the student pursues after graduation.”
Along with the interview, Work Ethic Certification graduates will also wear special cords at their respective graduation ceremonies and earn program seals on their diplomas. They will be able to apply for scholarships from post-secondary institutions that have a presence in the Hardin County community.
“All of our schools promote high expectations for our students which includes the components of the work ethic standards,” Johnston said. “These standards raise awareness of solid work ethic practices and encourage students to develop personal habits in these areas. During the month of March, we are asking our schools to bring additional focus to work ethic and how the work ethic we expect at school is directly connected to practices that lead to success in life.”
There are eight standards to which Work Ethic Certification program participants will adhere. They must meet criteria and gain points within each standard to earn the certification. They are:
Standard #1: Attendance & Tardiness
Students are expected to work hard to miss very few (if any) days of school and avoid repeated tardies and absences. Students are expected to build the habit of arriving to school on time daily.
Standard #2: Personal Responsibility and Accountability
Students are expected to meet discipline standards consistently, follow classroom behavior guidelines, respond quickly and respectfully to behavior corrections, cooperate in class, display a sincere service attitude, and demonstrate responsible for their own actions.
Standard #3: Academic Performance
Students are expected to perform at or above their grade level. They work hard and are dedicated to promoting their future. Students are expected to have self-discipline and apply their skills and talents in a productive manner.
Standard #4: Work Habits and Persistence
Students are expected to have strong work habits, a high level of determination and stick with a job until it is completed correctly.
Standard #5: Punctuality, Preparedness and Organization
Students are expected to be punctual, prepared, and organized get to class on time and have all of the materials they need for class and approach their work in an organized fashion.
Standard #6: Respectful Interactions/Communication
Students are expected to be respectful, polite and considerate of other people and their property. They are expected to listen and communicate clearly, effectively and professionally.
Standard #7: Cooperation and Teamwork
Students are expected to work cooperatively with others to problem solve, work together to complete projects, handle conflict professionally, accept their role as a leader and/or a team member and do what they can to help get things done.
Standard #8: Community Service
Students get involved in service projects that help people in their community.
“We can’t wait to get this off of the ground,” Johnston added. “We are thankful to the Hardin County Chamber of Commerce and Junior Achievement for all of their work on this initiative. I’d also like to thank our business and industry partners in advance for helping our graduates with interviews.
“As more Work Ethic Certification graduates walk across the stage, we hope that more hard-working and qualified employees enter into our local work force. As that happens, productivity will go up and more money will funnel in and out of our local economy. This is a win-win for everyone.”