The Role of Skill Standards in the Development, Implementation, and Assessment of Community College Curriculum

During the 1990s, the United States found itself experiencing changes in its industrial mix, technology, and educational legislation(Carter 2005). As a result, new models of delivering skills and credentials were adopted so that the nation's educational system could better prepare students for a globally competitive workforce. According toCarter (2005), "…one major change in the U.S. educational system was the increased reliance on, and prestige of, certification" (p. 51). Employers are increasingly hiring employees with certifications as many of today's occupations require workers with skill levels between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.