Communicate...and how!

For many years, the American education system has touted college as the ideal next step for high school graduates, even though a majority of students enter the workforce directly. But recently, several states have renewed efforts to prepare students to go straight to the workplace. For instance, in April, Florida Governor Rick Scott signed legislation that offers an alternate pathway to graduation for students who are not college-bound. Meanwhile, there's growing interest in other nations' approaches to career readiness, including the Swiss model of vocational education and training.

Critics of career-pathway programs argue that they will create a two-tier system in which students of color will be pushed disproportionately toward weaker academic curricula.

Teachers: What are your thoughts on the move away from "college for all"? Are you concerned that amping up career-pathway programs will perpetuate inequalities? What lessons have you learned in working with students who are going straight into the work force? How could schools better serve these students?