Connect school with the real world -- it sounds simple doesn't it? In fact, it's almost too obvious. Most would intuitively support a mission and philosophy of schools that better connects with and reflects the real world. But what is the real world? How might one identify the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for success in the real world? One way to think of the real world is to examine the major components of adult life in the real world -- after all, graduates from our schools will spend the next 50, 60, or more years in that world of adulthood. The real world is concerned with three important aspects of adult life beyond school: adult social roles, the role of the worker, and the role of lifelong learner.

Adult Social Roles

If the schooling process is to prepare students for their roles as competent adults,then one might ask "In what roles do competent adults spend their time?" Thirteen discrete social roles have been identified by researchers:

	Friend	Spouse
	Citizen	Son/Daughter
	Relative	Parent
	Learner	Club Member
	Worker	Grandparent
	Religious Affiliate	User of Leisure Time
	Home Services Manager

Typically, adults perform various and multiple tasks while going about the business of fulfilling these diverse roles.