Middle School Teacher / Counselor Guide: Postsecondary Planning

Middle School Teacher / Counselor Postsecondary Planning (PDF)

Teacher/ Counselor Guide: Defined Careers Postsecondary Planning

Empowering Students for the Future: The Defined Careers Postsecondary Preparedness collection is an innovative and comprehensive set of projects designed to guide middle school students through the multifaceted world of postsecondary education and career planning. Developed in alignment with the American School Counselor Association Standards, this curriculum is dedicated to fostering academic excellence and equipping students with essential skills and knowledge for their future educational and career endeavors.

Collection Structure: Spanning grades 6 through 8, the program offers a progressive, in-depth exploration of critical topics, each tailored to the developmental stage and needs of the students. From understanding personal interests and strengths in Grade 6 to planning high school course work in Grade 8, the curriculum is meticulously crafted to build upon each year's learnings, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive educational journey. There is also a high school collection that expands upon this learning and provides students with more in-depth postsecondary planning content.

Key Focus Areas:

Career Exploration and Readiness: Introduces students to a variety of career pathways and industries, helping them to align their personal interests with potential career options.
Academic Planning and Performance: Guides students in making informed decisions about their high school courses and how these choices impact their future educational and career opportunities.
Postsecondary Education Preparation: Covers essential aspects of college readiness, including application processes, financial aid, scholarship opportunities, and understanding postsecondary costs.
Skill Development: Emphasizes critical thinking, decision-making, media and technology skills, and self-motivation, all crucial for success in today's rapidly evolving world.
Personal Growth and Responsibility: Encourages students to engage in extracurricular activities, balance various aspects of life, and take responsibility for their actions and choices.

Flexible Implementation: Each lesson is designed to stand alone, allowing educators to tailor the curriculum based on the specific needs and interests of their students. This flexibility makes it an invaluable resource for schools offering specialized courses like College Seminar. Teachers and counselors can use the PDF documents to teach the content or have students access the content from their Defined Careers account.

Defined Careers Postsecondary Projects: Grade 6

Lesson	Project Description
6.1 Pathways Matching Assessment: Introduction to Different Career Pathways and Industries	Students will delve into their Pathways Matching Assessment results to investigate different career clusters and pathways. By aligning their individual interests and skills with potential careers, students will craft personalized action plans. This project empowers them to make well-informed choices about their educational and career journeys.
6.2 Why am I Learning This? Connecting Skills to Career	Students will explore how what they learn now is important for various careers in the future. They will discover how these skills are essential in real-world jobs!

Defined Careers Postsecondary Projects: Grade 7

Lesson	Project Description
7.1 Project Management and Study Skills	Students will learn essential time management and study skills to excel in school and prepare for life beyond the classroom. They'll explore strategies for effective project management and improved study habits. This lesson will equip them with practical skills to succeed academically and apply these skills in various real-life scenarios.
7.2 Jobs and Employers in Your Community	Students will explore the careers and employers in your own community. They’ll learn how to find out about different jobs near them and what they entail.

Defined Careers Postsecondary Projects: Grade 8

Lesson	Project Description
8.1 Finding Your Mentors in High School	Students will explore the significance of having mentors in high school and how they can provide guidance and support throughout this critical period. They will learn the benefits of mentorship, discover where to find mentors, and create a personalized action plan for connecting with mentors who can assist them in their high school journey and future endeavors.
8.2 Setting Goals and Planning Ahead: Make High School Count	Students will create a Four-Year Course Plan for high school, aligning it with graduation requirements and their post-secondary goals. By crafting this plan, students gain a better understanding of what courses are essential for their high school diploma and explore subjects that genuinely interest them, setting the stage for future educational and career choices.