What Every Teacher and Administrator Needs to Know Career Pathways What Every Teacher and Administrator Needs to Know

Definition of a Career Pathway A Career Pathway is a coherent, articulated sequence of rigorous academic and career/technical courses, commencing in the ninth grade and leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate degree and beyond, an industry recognized certificate, and/or licensure. The Career Pathway is developed, implemented, and maintained in partnership among secondary and postsecondary education, business, and employers. Career Pathways are available to all students, including adult learners, and lead to rewarding careers. - National Career Pathways Network

Brain Research Brain research continually points to the organization of information in “big clumps” such as career pathways, and then narrowing that information into smaller, manageable portions. It emphasizes experience and close connections to “real life” and real-life objects. These experiences, such as work-based experiences, prepare a space or pattern in the brain to which students can “hook” academic information, thus retaining what they have learned. (Based on research from Kathleen Harris) - Elaine Howard and Pamela J., Career Pathways

Top Five Reasons Dropouts Identify as Major Factors For Leaving School 47% - Classes were not interesting 43% - Missed too many days and couldn’t catch up 42% - Spent time with people who were not interested in school 38% - Had too much freedom and not enough rules in my life 35% - Was failing in school - The Silent Epidemic: Perspectives of High School Dropouts - A Report by Civic Enterprises

Career Pathways and Dropout Prevention According to the same report, improving teaching and curricula to make school more relevant and engaging and enhancing the connection between school and work is one area where schools can help students from dropping out of school. 81 percent of the surveyed dropouts said there should be more opportunities for real-world learning. Career Pathways provide that opportunity for real-world learning.

Pathways to Prosperity A report released this year by the Harvard Graduate School of Education titled “Pathways to Prosperity” outlines new research which shows that a “college for all goal – one that does not include a much stronger focus on career-oriented programs that lead to occupational credentials – seems doomed to fail.” The report details that many new jobs which require post-secondary licenses, certificates or credentials will earn more than the average bachelor’s degree recipient. The report states that “if current trends persist, the percentage of young adults with a post-secondary degree may actually drop, reversing a long history in which children have generally been better educated than their parents.” http://www.gse.harvard.edu/news_events/features/2011/Pathways_to_Prosperity_Feb2011.pdf

Definition of a Career Cluster Career Clusters are groupings of occupations/career specialties used as an organizing tool for curriculum design and instruction. Occupations/career specialties are grouped into the Career Clusters based on the fact that they require a set of common knowledge and skills for career success. - States’ Career Clusters Initiative

Kentucky’s Career Clusters Agriculture Arts & Humanities Business/Marketing Communications Construction Education Health Science Human Services Information Technology Manufacturing Public Services Science & Mathematics Social Sciences Transportation

States’ Career Clusters Initiative Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Architecture & Construction Arts, A/V Technology & Communications Business, Management & Administration Education & Training Finance Government & Public Administration Health Science Hospitality & Tourism Human Services Information Technology Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security Manufacturing Marketing, Sales & Service Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Transportation, Distribution & Logistics www.careerclusters.org

Definition of a Career Major The career major is the central focus for developing the Individual Learning Plan, selecting high level academic and career-related courses, and identifying work-based learning experiences that prepare students for transition to postsecondary education, work, or the military. The career major consists of at least four high school courses in a related area fitting in one of your state’s identified career clusters.

Example of a Career Pathway

CTE Career Major Requirements

Example of an Honors Pathway

Example of a Non-CTE Pathway

Creating a Career Pathway Select a Template - Link http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+and+Technical+Ed+Resources/Career+Pathways.htm Research Requirements - Link http://www.education.ky.gov/KDE/Instructional+Resources/Career+and+Technical+Education/Career+and+Technical+Education+Programs/ Contact Area Community and Technical College or University Check for Dual Credit/Articulation Sequence Courses

Developing Leadership Skills Developing Leaders, not Followers Identifying Talents and Strengths Focus on Self-Confidence and Learning The Ladder to Success The Power of the Human Mind

Contact Information Noel Crum CTE Principal/Coordinator noel.crum@johnson.kyschools.us 606-789-2500