CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, in partnership with the Clarksville Area Chamber of Commerce, is excited to implement the Work Ethic Distinction in the 2019-20 school year. The purpose of the Work Ethic Distinction is to address the need for a workforce that has both technical and soft skills. The Work Ethic Distinction is a proactive solution to the challenge employers have in hiring individuals who are prepared for the world of work. Students who obtain this distinction are proving that they are both college and career ready.

“As a district that is committed to innovation, there’s always more that we can do,” says Anthony Johnson, Director of Continuous Improvement and Community Relations at the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Work Force Distinction is one such initiative, partnering together the school system and community businesses.

The voluntary program is centered around a point system, which high school seniors can earn as they move through the academic year. Similar programs in East Tennessee, Rutherford County, and Memphis were used as models for the program developed by Clarksville-Montgomery County School System.

The 14-point system includes everything from academics, extracurricular involvement, and job training skills. Students will earn different points for different factors.  Key indicators were attendance, community service, and career or technical education. While GPA and TN Promise indicators also made the list, Dr. Jean Luna, Director of High Schools, emphasized that grades were not the only factor. Many students who have high effort and commitment, may only receive B and C grades. These students would still be eligible and potentially awarded a Work Ethic Distinction.

Dr. Luna went on to point out the Work Ethic Distinction applies not simply to college bound students, but also to students who may be moving directly into the workforce, military, or a trade school.

The most controversial indicator was the inclusion of being a drug free student. Dr. Luna clarified that while some students may opt-in to voluntary drug testing to receive these points in the system, it is optional. A student does not have to meet or qualify for each of the 14 indicators. However, to have the program truly reflect a workforce ready student, it is necessary to include the drug-free initiative as many companies require drug testing.

The Work Ethic Distinction first year pilot program will begin in the 2019-2020 school year.