1. Chapter 13 Career Development Services for K-12 Students

2. 5. Explore post-secondary education and career opportunities.
Learning Objectives
1. Describe key terms, initiatives and policies related to the K-12 school environment to provide context for delivery of career development services.
2. Select career development approaches and activities based on accepted standards by K-12 grade level.
3. Describe key service delivery strategies related to the application of helping skills, career guidance and activities focused on the transition to post-secondary education and work with K-12 students.
4. Review best practices for K-12 career assessment and recommendations for identifying potential barriers to the student’s career development process.
5. Explore post-secondary education and career opportunities.
6. Identify resources, materials and activities related to labor market information, employability/soft skills and career decision-making appropriate to the K-12 school environment.

3. Overview of the K-12 Service Delivery System
Various schooling options available:
Traditional public schools
Charter schools
Alternative schools
Private schools
Magnet schools
Homeschooling
Virtual schools

4. Overview of the K-12 Service Delivery System
Different types of learners
At-risk students
Economically disadvantaged
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Gifted and Talented Education (GATE)
Foster youth
Special education

5. Key Educational Initiatives
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Common Core Standards
Race to the Top
Schools and Libraries Program of the Universal Service Fund
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Standardized to High Stakes Testing

6. Other Laws Influencing the Public School System
Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Workforce Innovations and Opportunities Act (WIOA)

7. Career Development Approaches and Activities by Grade Level
NCDA Career Development Policy Statements
Career development related activities
For K-5 students primarily focus on awareness activities
For grades 6-8, primarily focus on exploration
Focus in grades 9-12 should be on investigation

8. Key Service Delivery Strategies in the K-12 Setting
Considerations for Service Delivery
Work with teachers to provide ways to infuse career information in their lessons
Present lessons during class time when invited to the classroom
Academic and Career Plans
Create a long-term academic plan with a focus on post-secondary college and career readiness
Engaging Parents
Will increase the effectiveness of their career development interventions
Parents are the first and most important influence on their children’s educational and career decisions

9. K-12 Career Assessment Strategies and Best Practices
Variety of purposes
focus should be on helping students (and parents) understand their career needs and possibilities
Assessment should always be centered on supporting the welfare and best interests of the student.
Both informal and formal assessments can be useful for student career development

10. Career Assessment by Grade Level
Elementary School (Grades K-5)
Focus on creating awareness of careers and allowing for exploration of self and careers
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Allow students to use decision-making skills to merge individual data with their knowledge of the workplace and plan a high school course of study to meet their goals
High School (Grades 9-12)
Students continue to expand their knowledge, skills and attitudes through practical application

11. Other Assessment Consideration – Evaluating Potential Barriers
Family Dysfunction
Family Cultural Beliefs that Limit Career Exploration
Substance Abuse
Undiagnosed or Unrecognized Disability
Citizenship Status
Legal Issues – Criminal Record
Foster Care

12. Exploration of Post-Secondary Systems Navigation
Many programs and options available for students related to exploring, navigating and preparing for post-secondary education
AP Coursework
IB Coursework
Dual Enrollment
CTE Coursework Leading to Industry Certifications (ASE, NOCTI, etc.)
Apprenticeship
Trade/Technical Schools
ACT/SAT Registration and Preparation
College Search
Services for Students with Disabilities
Military
College Application Processes
Financial Aid and Scholarships

13. Best Practices for K-12 Career Development Activities
Elementary School (Awareness)
Collaboration
Exploration Activities
Parent Outreach/Involvement
Middle School (Exploration)
Academic and Educational Planning
High School (Implementation/Action)
Planning for Education and Training
Experiential Learning
Parent Outreach and Involvement

14. Employability Skills Resources
Applied Knowledge – the thoughtful integration of academic knowledge and technical skills, put to practical use in the workplace.
Effective Relationships – the interpersonal skills and personal qualities that enable individuals to interact effectively with clients, coworkers, and supervisors.
Workplace Skills – the analytical and organizational skills and understandings that employees need to successfully perform work tasks.