Most Connecticut employers support more rigorous math and science curricula, and want students exposed to more career options, an executive survey shows.
The Connecticut Business & Industry Association said the findings in their annual membership survey dovetail with the Connecticut State University System trustees’ recent vote to increase admissions standards in subjects including math, science, social studies and world language, beginning in 2015.
“The Connecticut State University System is a prime economic engine for Connecticut, and these new standards respond to the very real needs of our businesses, which require a top-notch workforce to stay and grow in our state,” said Larry McHugh, chairman of the state university system board of trustees and president of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce.
In the CBIA survey, 59 percent of executives said they want to see courses that reinforce the analytical and problem-solving skills that are necessary in the workplace.
Lauren Weisberg Kaufman, CBIA vice president for education and training policy, applauded the state university system’s new standards, and pointed to other efforts to prepare students for the 21st century marketplace.
The General Assembly is currently considering a plan that could raise high school graduation standards statewide, based on a plan developed by the state Department of Education, Kaufman said. In addition, a number of local school districts are moving to strengthen graduation requirements.
