This section presents program information taken from the applications
submitted, surveys of program coordinators, and site visit evaluation results.
It contains a description of every program's purpose, target groups, address,
telephone number, fax number, contact person, essential features, and career
activities. Program coordinators provided input about the essential features of
their programs.
Purpose:
|
To
foster the career development of all students.
|
| Target
Groups:
|
Grades
7-12, students from the four small rural communities of New Leipzig, Elgin,
Flasher, and Carson in North Dakota
|
| Address:
|
Elgin
Public Schools 110 NW Street, P.O. Box 70 Elgin, ND 58533 |
| Telephone Number: | (701) 584-2374 |
| Fax
Number:
|
(701)
584-3018
|
| Contact
Person:
|
Kim
K. Schock, Area Vocational Guidance Counselor
|
Essential Features: The Area Vocational Guidance and Counseling Program is a cost-effective, highly visible program in four small rural communities in Southwest North Dakota. It assists students in their educational, occupational, and personal/social development. The program, which is based on the National Career Development Guidelines, helps students make the connection between their educational achievement, personal/social background, and career aspirations through the development of a career portfolio developed by the program coordinator and guidance staff.
The portfolio is used in the elementary level as a means for students to track their performance in standardized testing. The elementary counseling department and the Area Vocational Guidance Program staff work together to help students establish some career direction at an early stage of their lives. Students develop their career portfolio from the 7th grade through their senior year. The portfolio is key to helping students better understand themselves and acquire skills essential to making informed and positive career decisions.
The following agencies, organizations, and support programs are committed to providing support services:
Career Development Process
Purpose:
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Awareness
4-12
Students
from grades 4-12 receive the Career Outlook, a publication developed by
the area vocational counselor in consultation with the North Dakota State
Occupations Information Coordinating Committee (NDSOICC). The Career
Outlook gives students and parents the most current occupational
information in North Dakota. The Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (CTBS) is
administered to students each year to track their progress
Career
Investigation
7
Information
from the Career Outlook is used in the 7th grade to help students
determine their career interests. Students discuss the world of work after
viewing the video Your Future: Planning Through Career Exploration. They
also take a career planning quiz, results of which are added to their career
portfolios.
8
Planning
for Life, College, and Careers is used in the 8th grade to help students
see the relationship between their interests, the subjects available in high
school, and their career goals. The video, Your Interest: Related to Work
Activities, also provides valuable career information.
Career
Exploration
9
As
a cooperative project between counselors and English teachers, 9th-grade
students do a career unit in their English classes. Students complete the
Career Area Interest Checklist. English instructors require students to
use career information for developing speeches and writing term papers. At the
beginning of the 9th grade, students do the High School Career-Course
Planner.
10
Tenth
graders take the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB) to determine their
strengths and weaknesses and to match their aptitudes with the appropriate
occupations. Tenth-grade students do an activity, You Can Be What You Want
To Be by the American Vocational Association to evaluate their interests
and match these with programs and careers for their future. They also complete
the JOB-O-A, which is an advanced version of the JOB-O
they did in the 8th grade. By the end of the tenth year, students complete
the activity How To Read a College Catalog to learn about postsecondary
programs and institutions
Career
Preparation
11
All
juniors take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Juniors
can opt to take the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) to prepare them
for future standardized tests and use scores to apply for scholarships. College
fairs give juniors the opportunity to talk with representatives from
institutions of their choice and make plans to visit schools of their choice.
During a planning session prior to the fair, college major handbooks,
individualized portfolios, all standardized tests, and the Choices
programs are reviewed.
12
Seniors'
ACT scores are used for assessment for admittance into postsecondary
institutions, scholarship purposes, identification of strengths and weaknesses,
and self-assessment. Seniors also attend planning sessions where they review
and assess their individualized portfolios, standardized tests, and their
planned career/ courses. College applications are completed. Transcript
information is discussed and financial aid, scholarship, loans, and grants are
explored Seniors also receive a checklist to help them plan for transition from
high school to the next step in life. Career Portfolios allow students to sum
up their interests, aptitudes, and academic capability and develop a
résumé.
CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING
PROGRAM:
Haltom City, Texas
To
ensure that all students in the Birdville Independent School District acquire
the necessary tools which will empower them to make sound educational and
career decisions.
Target
Groups:
Grades
7-12, students from five northeast Tarrant County communities including
Richland Hills, parts of Haltom City, Hurst, North Richland Hills, and Watauga
in Texas
Address:
Birdville
Independent School District
6125 E. Belknap
Haltom City, TX 76117
Telephone Number:
(817)
831-5786
Fax
Number:
(817)
838-7261
Contact
Person:
Dr.
Ed Foster, Counselor of Career and Technology Education Dr. Linda Anderson
(Linda_Anderson@qm.birdville.k12.tx.us)
Essential Features: The success of the Career and Technology Education Guidance and Counseling Program is the result of the collaboration and commitment of counselors, teachers, administrators, parents, businesses and industries, community organizations, and other school personnel. The program provides all students a relevant education that focuses on the development of skills and knowledge essential in making successful educational, career, and occupational decisions and plans.
Counselors of the guidance program use a variety of strategies in responding to the career developmental needs of their students, including the following:
Career Activities:
Career Development Process
Purpose:
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Investigation
7-8
Guest
speakers, usually parents and community volunteers, discuss their respective
careers with students. Students gain more information about occupations and
careers through class writing assignments and stories. Career Days are planned
for students, including a Tech Prep Career Fair. Students complete the career
interest surveys.
8
All
8th graders complete the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT).
Career
Exploration
7-12
Each
spring, students in grades 7-12 participate in group and individual guidance at
the high school campuses to plan their programs for the following year. The
Birdville CATE develops, prints, and distributes a Career Pathways book,
which includes a 10-minute video, to students and their parents.
9-12
A
series of assemblies are held to describe all CATE programs, including how
these programs link to employment and/or postsecondary training. Tech Prep
options, special scholarships, and internship programs are explained. All
students have access to the computerized Guidance Information System (GIS).
Career
Preparation
11-12
Students
select laboratory projects and/or on-the-job training programs. Juniors and
seniors take the SAT, ACT, and ASVB tests in preparation for postsecondary
education. Eleventh and 12th graders attend college nights.
FLAMBEAU CAREER GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING PROGRAM: Tony, Wisconsin
To
provide a comprehensive and systematic set of services to K-12 students and
area adults.
Target
Groups:
Approximately
700 K-12 students in a very rural and economically disadvantaged area of
northwestern Wisconsin
Address:
School
District of Flambeau
N5377 Maple Street
Tony, WI 54563
Telephone Number:
(715)
532-7760
Fax
Number:
(715)
532-5405
Contact
Persons:
Doug
Spielman, 7-12 Counselor
Chuck Ericksen, Community Education Director
Essential Features: Through integrated and applied curriculum and special student services, the Flambeau Career Guidance and Counseling (FCGC) Program introduces and connects students to individuals, institutions, and agencies who can help them realize their potential for lifelong learning and work within the community. Everyone involved in the Flambeau Career Guidance and Counseling Program believes all students should have an opportunity to become involved in meaningful education and/or community activities. As a team, they help students in developing and implementing their personalized learning plans and facilitate experiential learning to assist students in developing independence, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial skills.
The school district is also strongly committed to providing educational services to community residents of all ages. A cooperative arrangement exists between the nationally recognized Flambeau Community Education Program and the FCGC Program based on partnerships established over time. Adults in the community participate in workshops, classes, forums, focus groups, and special presentations conducted through the community education program. Consequently, these students undertake activities that emphasize job skills development, personal development, career development, community leadership training, professional development, and parenting skills.
The FCGC Program takes pride in contributing to (1) reducing dropout rates, (2) increasing student enrollment in postsecondary institutions, and (3) improving the employability of students. A strong partnership between the school and community organizations and businesses and industries is a major factor in the program's success.
Career Activities
Career Development Process
Career Investigation
The Wisconsin Student Assessment System tools are used to help students
understand their interests, aptitudes, and motivations.
The FCGC Program provides the following career-related activities:
Career Exploration
Tenth graders are required to participate in three self-assessment exercises
(i.e., Self-Directed Search-Form R, Meyers Briggs, and the 10th Grade Wisconsin
Student Assessment).
With their parents, students select one of 15 career cluster areas during each
school year. Teachers and community members who act as student mentors arrange
field trips to businesses, technical colleges, and universities. Students in
the 10th grade continue to develop their cumulative career portfolio.
Each student develops a personalized career plan. Job-seeking skills (e.g.,
résumés, letters of application, interviewing) are taught in both
English and vocational classes. Teachers serve as mentors.
Student entrepreneurship initiatives are supported through REAL (Rural
Entrepreneurship through Action Learning) classes. Students also participate in
a career awareness workshop. Community people provide structured
community-based learning experiences by hosting field trips and job
experiences.
As part of an 11th-grade English class, students experience job shadowing
Purpose:
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Awareness
K-6
Teachers
integrate career guidance activities into all facets of their curriculum during
the regular school year and summer school. Elementary students engage in
activities focusing on the development of positive interpersonal behaviors and
goal-setting skills. Teachers use the Wisconsin Career Developmental Guidance
Model (WDGM) to integrate developmental guidance into the curriculum. The
following are some specific career awareness activities.
7-8
Activities
to expose students to a variety of occupations and careers are integrated into
the curriculum.
9-10
All
teachers facilitate career planning and high school course selection. The FCGC
Program provides students with educational and career opportunities through
various community partnerships. The Wisconsin Student Assessment System, The
Self-Directed Search-Career Explorer, and Career Vision tools are used within a
classroom setting.
Career
Preparation
11-12
Eleventh-
and 12th-grade students take the ASVAB, ACT, and PSAT examinations.
12
Students
complete a professional career portfolio by spring of their senior year.
SCHOOL-WIDE COUNSELING PROGRAM TO SUPPORT TECH PREP: Elk
Grove, Illinois
To
organize and update a well-defined system of guidance activities that promote
the career development of all students.
Target
Groups:
Approximately
1,700 students in Elk Grove High School that is located in a large suburban
district 25 miles northwest of Chicago
Address:
Elk
Grove High School
500 W. Elk Grove Boulevard
Elk Grove, IL 60007
Telephone Number:
(847)
718-4455
Fax
Number:
(847)
718-4515
Contact
Person:
Dr.
Anna Marie Yates, Counselor
Essential Features: The School-Wide Counseling Program To Support Tech Prep has appropriate avenues to address the needs of all students, including ESL counseling, the Talent Development Program, Special Education Services, and Upcoming Advisory Groups. Students leaving Elk Grove High School are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for making informed career and educational decisions.
The program is led by a team of nine counselors who provide career/educational and personal/social counseling. The outcome-based program is a planned curriculum designed to empower students to learn more effectively and efficiently. The program provides specialized counseling and intervention services and offers maximum student growth and development in three domains: (1) educational/academic--learning to learn, (2) personal, social, physical--learning to live, and (3) career--learning to work.
All students build portfolios that contain their assessment results, best work, résumé, cover letter, and other evidence of accomplishments. Student transition to postsecondary education and/or work is facilitated by career development activities such as participating in job shadowing, an internship, and volunteer work. Students also have opportunities for part-time employment that match their work styles or preferences.
Career Activities:
Career Development Process
Students and their parents learn about the student portfolio "Know Yourself
from A to Z" and Tech Prep options at the beginning of the school year. During
the Freshman Orientation Day, students begin exploring their career goals and
"dream" of the perfect future job.
Juniors and seniors have opportunities to get experience in the workplace. They
may participate in several school-to-work programs such as interrelated career
education programs, extended campus programs, and programs offered by Harper
College. They are encouraged to enroll in the Public Service and Community
Resource course and/or become involved in service learning. Through service
learning, students do volunteer work that allows them to work side-by-side with
employees at the work site.
Those who choose to pursue the Tech Prep program start an internship by their
senior year. Students have access to career nights, career-oriented field
trips, college visits, mentoring, and job shadowing.
Students may also take a seminar course designed to help them transition from
high school to the world of work and/or further education. A Vocational
Exploration course is available to offer students on-the-job experiences in the
community as well as three weeks in a classroom setting.
Purpose:
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Exploration
9
Incoming
freshmen take EXPLORE and the Learning Styles Inventory.
10
A
comprehensive career unit is taught to all students while they are enrolled in
the oral communications class. Students learn to use or explore resources
available in school, including the GIS on computer, the Dictionary of
Occupational Titles, the Occupational Handbook, career files,
college files, college view books, catalogs, videos, college guides and
scholarship information, and other career- and college-related materials.
Results from the Harrington O'Shea Career Decision-Making System are used in
researching about careers. Students learn how to complete a job application,
write a cover letter, prepare a résumé, and prepare for a job
interview. They also participate in a mock job interview.
Career
Preparation
11-12
Students
take the SAT and ACT tests. SHARED COUNSELOR PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM: Houston, Texas
To
facilitate the successful transition of high school students into postsecondary
education programs.
Target
Groups:
High
school students within two service school districts, including Aldine
Independent School District and Spring Independent School District in Texas
Address:
North
Harris College
2700 West W. Thorne Drive
Houston, TX 77073-3499
Telephone Number:
(281)
618-5434
Fax
Number:
(281)
618-5402
Contact
Person:
Vicki
Stanfield, Program Director (stanfiv@nhc.nhmccd.cc.tx.us)
Essential Features: The Shared Counselor Partnership Program is the first of its kind. Partnering the community college with area school districts to assist high school students in their transition to postsecondary education creates a win-win situation for the involved institutions and students.
The program enhances the guidance program at both the high school and the college by providing the expertise of a trained college advisor at the high school and by having a college liaison as a member of the high school counseling team. It supports the district's emphasis on engagement in community partnerships with businesses, industries, schools, universities, and other public entities to provide connected learning opportunities for a diverse group of the student population. As a result of the program's initial success in increasing the number of students matriculating to postsecondary education programs at North Harris College and other colleges and universities, the program has gotten the full support of their administration. Collaboration is the key to the program's success.
The program's major focus is assisting more students to enter post high school education. By exposing students to the college environment through various activities, they learn how to make informed choices about their career and education. The Shared Counselor Partnership Program is a response to the disparity in services available to and used by the majority of the "middle" or average students who may not have a clear vision of their career possibilities or the level or type of education required. Thus, these students are introduced to various program offerings and career pathways.
Career Activities:
Career Development Process
Fish Camp activities conducted at various sites assist students in making good
decisions and in understanding the interrelationship of life roles and the
relationship between education and career planning.
The Program for Academic Recovery (PAR) provides 9th-grade students who are at
risk of failing a total educational program designed to assist in the
development of a positive self-concept and skills for success.
Students also have access to group workshops on career planning,
résumé writing, stress management, and family issues.
Career Fairs give local business representatives and professionals the time to
talk with students about the opportunities available in their chosen careers.
Improved Career-Decision Making Workshop provides parents and students with the
most current career trends identified by the Texas State Occupational
Information Coordinating Committee.
College night gives students the opportunity to visit with over 100 college
representatives.
Those eligible for enrollment at the community college while in high school can
avail of the Dual Credit Program. Night classes and programs are offered at the
community college to provide students the chance to earn high school credits.
Project Success, an eight-week program, assists prospective college students in
developing the skills needed to reach their highest potential in college.
Students interested in studying at North Harris College take the ASSET
placement test to determine appropriate placement and course of study upon
entering college.
The Senior-to-Senior Conference provides an opportunity for former graduates to
share their experiences with current seniors about college and/or career life
after high school.
Purpose:
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Exploration
9
Students
are introduced to the Get a Life career portfolio and begin developing
their individual career plan.
9-12
Group
counseling led by counselors and specially trained teachers is held to discuss
psychoeducational topics in relation to developing a positive self-concept and
interpersonal skills. Individual counseling is also provided.
10
Tenth
graders and their parents participate in the College and Career Workshop
designed to provide the latest information about career trends.
Career
Preparation
11
Eleventh
graders take the ASVAB to assess their aptitudes and abilities for use in
career planning.
11-12
Workshops
are held annually to help students prepare for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT testing.
The Vocational Leadership Conference provides information on job applications,
interviewing skills, and job leads for incoming cooperative students.
12
Senior
orientation activities focus on the dissemination of general college
information to students. VAN BUREN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S COMPREHENSIVE
CAREER GUIDANCE PROGRAM: Lawrence, Michigan
To
help students (1) make career and educational decisions, (2) develop individual
career plans, (3) implement decisions, and (4) prepare a portfolio to document
progress toward their educational and career goals.
Target
Groups:
Youth
and adults in Van Buren County
Address:
Van
Buren Intermediate School District Vocational-Technical Center
250 South Street
Lawrence, MI 49064
Telephone Number:
(616)
674-8001, ext. 303
Fax
Number:
(616)
674-8954
Contact
Person:
Donald
Olendorf, Administrator for Special Programs (DOLENDORF@aol.com)
Essential Features: The Van Buren program is based on Donald Super's premise that an effective guidance program enhances students abilities to make intelligent decisions and plans. This dynamic process involves self-awareness, option awareness, decision-making, planning, and placement. To further address the needs of students in the fifteen local school districts served, educators, employers, and the community incorporate technology to expand their guidance content and delivery system.
Students who include vocational training as part of their education benefit from the programs and services at the Vocational-Technical Center. Guidance coordinators help students review and update their plans.
Counselors at the Van Buren Technical Center and the counselors and teachers in the local districts collaborate in helping all students in their career and educational planning. Students are assisted to translate their decisions into a personal career plan, known as an Employability Development Plan (EDP). In addition to the EDP, students develop a four-year program plan based on their career and postsecondary decisions. The EDP is the starting point for the student-managed portfolios that document students' progress toward the goals outlined in their career plans. Many of the Van Buren senior students have successfully obtained college assistance, scholarships, and grants by presenting their completed portfolios when interviewing or applying. The information contained in the portfolios is summarized into résumés. While the EDP is the index for the portfolio, the résumé serves as its summary.
The Van Buren Intermediate School District Vocational-Technical Center's Comprehensive Career Guidance Program was recognized as an exemplary program by the U.S. Office of Education in 1986 and by the United States Army in 1994 under its Planning for Life Awards.
Career Activities:
Career Development Process
Career exploration activities include viewing videotapes, inviting speakers,
college days, job awareness days, and simulations. Most of these activities are
integrated in the high school curriculum.
Open House at the Vocational-Technical Center is popular among parents and
students since this gives them the chance to see what the center has to offer.
Students may explore careers at any of the cluster levels:
10
Juniors and seniors summarize the contents of their portfolios into a
résumé. The portfolios have been used to secure employment and
admission to colleges as well as for scholarships.
Grade(s)
Activities
Career
Investigation
8-9
Students
develop self-awareness, option-awareness, and decision-making through the
Prefolio program.
Career
Exploration
8-9
Eighth
and 9th graders make tentative career and educational decisions and identify a
career area. They visit all of the career clusters offered by the
Vocational-Technical Center.
9-12
Students
use locally developed and commercial inventories to help them determine their
interests and achievements. They can also use Holland's Self-Directed Search
and the Differential Aptitude Test.
Tenth
graders return to the Vocational-Technical Center to spend an hour in each of
their top two cluster areas.
11-12
Students
have the opportunity for job shadowing and participating in co-op.