Too many students leave high school unprepared for their futures in college and/or work.  As a result, it is imperative that we continually improve the systems of education that are responsible for preparing students for successful and productive lives.  More than ever educators and businesses are searching for opportunities to partner and share resources to better prepare students for their futures.  One such opportunity is Langford International/Iowa Quality Center Student TEAMS Training.  This training is intended to better prepare our youth for their future roles as learners, employees and leaders.   Student TEAMS objectives include:  -   To provide students with team problem solving skills and the opportunity to learn about how to improve work processes.  -   To provide students with the skills and experience that employers want.  -   To help prepare students for the transition from school to work.  -   To provide students and teachers with the skills, tools, and knowledge required to continually improve their schools.  -   To provide students with the opportunity to improve and increase learning.  -   To provide students with knowledge and skills applicable to work, school, and personal development.

Method

Within a two day workshop, teams of high school students will be trained in problem solving techniques and the basic principles of quality improvement.  These students will then apply their new skills on a real life, work-related problem at a sponsoring employer site.  Students receive a general description of a problem impacting the organization and for two and one-half days come to the worksite and apply the problem solving skills learned in training.  Students gather and analyze data regarding the problem.  Their goal is to develop a solution or recommendations and propose a plan for reducing or eliminating the problem.  At the end of the two and one-half days, students present their findings to the management and staff of the sponsoring organization.

Outcome Measurement Both student, teacher and business participants complete surveys which allow them to share what the experience has meant to each and how they have each benefited.  Many also provide testimonials which describe these factors.  All participants (students, business persons and teachers) provide information on how the training, business and business experience could be improved.   People Served Each student team is made up of 5 or 6 students, grades 9-12, from area high schools.  One teacher from the school also attends the two day training session and participates on a team with other teachers.  Eight to ten teams are trained.  In addition, the sponsoring o business can send a representative to the training.  These persons also are part of the teacher teams.

If you want to find out more about how your business, school or student can get involved in the Student TEAMS process, please contact Scott Nicol at scott@iowaqc.org.