Mind the Gap: What K–12 Assesses vs. What the Workforce Demands

This session offers a close look at research from aiEDU and the Burning Glass Institute examining the growing gap between the skills K–12 systems assess through graduation requirements and the skills most in demand in today’s workforce. Drawing on workforce hiring trends and an analysis of what states set as graduation requirements, the research reveals that many durable, human skills—such as problem-solving, collaboration, adaptability, and judgment—are underrepresented in how student’s AI readiness is defined. Participants will explore why this gap matters more than ever in the age of AI and leave with practical insights for how states, districts, and schools can better align learning goals, assessment practices, and graduation signals with the realities students will face after high school.