The business world is putting a new spin on reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Yes, these "hard" skills are still very important, but employers increasingly also are looking for workers proficient in the "soft" skills - the ability to analyze a problem, provide options, and communicate effectively in a fast-paced team environment.

These skills are mandatory for virtually any occupation in today's knowledge-driven economy. That applies both to so-called middle-skills jobs - those that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree - and to jobs that require an advanced degree in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM jobs).

Take jobs in the manufacturing field. Increasingly technology-driven, these positions require that workers have substantial technical training in engineering and computer technology. But to utilize that training effectively, clear communication skills are necessary as well. The ability to diagnose and troubleshoot a complicated machine isn't much if a technician can't explain a solution clearly to co-workers.

Yet employers say those soft skills are in short supply. A recent survey from the American Management Association found that nine of 10 executives said the soft skills are essential, but less than half said their employees were above average in those skills.

A survey from the Manufacturing Institute found that nearly 67 percent of respondents reported a growing shortage of qualified workers, and more than half expect that shortage to increase in the next three to five years.
Couple those worries with the fact that 27 percent of Washington state high school students don't graduate on time, and the projection that 67 percent of all new jobs will require some post-secondary education by 2018, and we're suddenly looking at an alarming skills gap.

So how can we close this gap?

We need to consider more innovative education models that will better develop these skills in the next generation of job seekers. What children learn in high school must become more relevant to what they will face in the job market.

Programs need to weave career-relevant coursework with a rigorous academic curriculum - including hands-on learning opportunities with local employers. By working in small groups on projects and doing original research, students also will understand better the value of professionalism, work ethic, and clear communication. This approach will enable students to see the connection between what they learn in school and how that knowledge applies to the real world.

As the Journal has reported recently, Spokane has developed two new models that embody this approach:

* Riverpoint Academy will have juniors and seniors studying STEM and health care disciplines, working in project teams, and learning from practicing scientists, engineers, and university professors.

* Spokane Valley Tech will weave rigorous academics with career-related education and work experience that has direct relevance to occupations needing employees with intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and writing and verbal communication skills - all of the hard and soft skills that Washington state's businesses now require.

Models like these will better equip students with both the "hard" and "soft" skills needed to succeed in competitive careers.

That is a new spin on education that will help us create the skilled workforce and lifelong learners we all need.

- Mike Marzetta is president of Altek Inc., of Liberty Lake, and the inventor of Minds-I, providing STEM robotics labs for K-12 students. Steve Leahy is Washington State director of America's Edge.