Contributes new perspective on the discussion in relation to the quality of education in the region. Finds that within the more general problem of quality, there is also a disconnect between the skills that the education system is currently producing and the ones that the market demands from young people transitioning from secondary school to work, who constitute the largest group of new workers in the region. Reveals that there is a gap been what schools teach and what the market expects from young people looking for a job after finishing secondary school. Shows that in addition to academic skills, employers are also looking for behavioural or socioemotional skills that include critical thinking, responsibility, teamwork and problem solving.

11/21/12 SANDRAW