Career Pathways: Preparing Students for Life

"Howard and Ill have given educators a stunning encyclopedic handbook on career pathways. Loaded with helpful lists and charts, and written in a clear, conversational tone, Career Pathways is the new indispensable resource for superintendents, principals, counselors, and teachers." Elaine Johnson, Honorary Fellow Huron College "Career Pathways is the most comprehensive curriculum approach to achieving the dual goal of academic and career maturity. High school educators who seek to promote not just college admissions but college success should consider the career pathways approach." Kenneth Gray, Professor Penn State University Just imagine all students in your high school taking ownership of their own learning! This is exactly what happens in a student-centered Pathways High School. Instructionally based, the Collaborative Career Pathways approach is to help all students add relevancy to their school work by preparing for the future. Collaborative Pathway High Schools allow students to self manage and problem-solve to better prepare for their future. This excellent resource brings together three crucial pillars: the classroom, the community, and the counseling processes that are found in all high schools. Students begin this process by learning about their aptitudes, skills, and interests and then selecting one of several broad career paths (such as Human Services or Science and Industry). Students experience ongoing goal-setting and decision making. Through the classroom, community, and counseling processes, your students will be able to design and implement a plan that is just right them. This is what student-centered learning is all about! Classroom processes remain the key to student-centered and self-directed learning. Integration occurs naturally as students have the opportunity to participate in integrated learning units that include the four core subject areas, technology, and one or two electives that all align to state and national standards and benchmarks. Community opportunities begin with guest speakers, chat partners, and field trip visits and then progress to job shadowing, internships, mentorships, and senior capstone projects. Counseling becomes a key component for students in the areas of academic, career, and social and personal skill development. Ample opportunities abound for role modeling and practice in teaming, problem solving, conflict resolution, character development, self-management, goal setting, and decision making. By employing the Career Pathways model, your school can add relevancy to what students learn and do during their high school years. Help students be more focused and team-oriented, and the true drivers of their own learning!

Table of Contents:
Introduction: Student Centered High Schools Acknowledgements About the Authors Dedication Chapter 1. The What and Why of Career Pathways The Beginning: A Student Scenario What is a Pathways High School? Why Pathways? Two Closing Scenarios In Review Chapter 2. The Collaborative Career Pathways Model Introduction: A Student Scenario Model Structure - The Three Pillars Implementing the Three Pillars Community Vertical Process Horizontally Integrating the Pillars Putting it all Together: The Complete Implementation Chart Students as the Center of Learning Pathways and Citizenship Pathway Myths Conclusion In Review Chapter 3. Steps to Implementing the Model Introduction: A Community Scenario Part I. Three Steps to Successful Change - A Process Model Part II. A Timeline for Implementation Part III. Funding Conclusion In Review Part I. Building a Foundation Chapter 4: District Vision and School Leadership: The Pathways Foundation Intro: An American Scenario Vision, Mission, Goals and Values Presenting a Solid Example A Common Experience A Common Process Vision Process Chart In Review Chapter 5. Comprehensive Guidance to Prepare and Assist Pathway Students Scenario The Importance of Comprehensive Guidance Career Pathways and Traditional High Schools Guidance Programs Pathways Comprehensive Guidance and National Counseling Standards Scheduling in a Career Pathways High School Educational Development Plans and Portfolios Student Testing and Data Collection Creating an Avenue for Pathways Changes and Flexibility Conclusion In Review Chapter 6. Curriculum in a Career Pathways High School: A Rationale for Standards, Mapping and Integration Introduction: A Curriculum Scenario The Importance of Curriculum in a Collaborative Career Pathways High School What is Curriculum? Integrating Technology Curriculum Quiz In Review Part II. School Structure Chapter 7. Focus Classes for Each Level of Career Pathways Scenario What is a pathways class and why do we have them? Focus Class Key Concepts and Placement What Does Each Pathway Class Look Like? Freshman Explorations: The Cornerstone Sophomore Selections: The Great Balancing Act Junior Judgments: The Stepping Stone Senior Transitions: Moving Forward How are Focus Classes Delivered? Curriculum Placement of Focus Classes Pathway Change Process The Long-term Results of Focus Class Work In Review Chapter 8. Scheduling in a Collaborative Career Pathways High School Intro - Scenario The Need to Address Scheduling Major Types of Scheduling and Career Pathway High Schools An Ideal Collaborative Career Pathways Schedule Schedules and Teaching Styles and Professional Development Creating a Schedule that is Right for Your School Conclusion In Review Part III. Classroom Processes Chapter 9. Freshman Explorations: The Cornerstone of Pathways Instruction A Student Scenario The Important Connections Freshman Explorations: The Curriculum In Review Chapter 10. Pathway Classes Grades 10-12: Sophomore Selections, Junior Judgments and Senior Transitions Scenario The Great Scaffold Sophomore Selections Junior Judgments Senior Transitions The Scaffold Works In Review Chapter 11. Core and Elective Teachers as Support for the Career Pathways Instructional Process Scenario Gaining Support of the Entire Faculty Core and Elective Teachers as Part of the Team Staff Inclusion Communication in a Pathways High School Continuous Staff Development and In-Servicing Teaming and Collaboration Career Technology & Academy Teachers versus Collaborative Pathway Teachers Working with the Core Teachers Working with the Elective Teachers How Pathway Teachers Differ From Traditional Classroom Teachers In Review Part IV. Culture, Community, and Technology Chapter 12. Public Relations, Parents and Pathways Scenario Gathering the Stakeholders The Public Relations Strategy Talking To Parents Talking to Students Talking to the School Community Talking to Community Members Working with Technical Centers and Academic Sources Myths about Pathways The On-going Public Relations Mission In Review Chapter 13. The School Community: The True Classroom of Pathways Scenario Involving the Community Focus of Guest Visits Speakers in the Classroom Site Visit Locations Designing Field Trips To Accommodate Hosts Designing Job Shadows Service Learning Involving the Community in Internships and Senior Projects Support through the Academic Community Conclusion In Review Chapter 14. School Culture and Climate in a Pathways High School Introduction: Miguel′s First Day What is School Culture and Climate? Why are School Culture and Climate Important? A Key Finding: School Connectedness The Pathways Solution to Key Findings #1 - School Connectedness Other Key Findings: School Prejudice and Codes of Silence Solutions and Suggestions for Climate Control Establish a Working Committee for Culture and Climate Issues Access Your Climate Develop a School-wide Plan Addressing Some Key Points of Instruction: Pathways as an Avenue to Good Culture and Climate Other Complementary Programs The First Day of School Challenge Conclusion: Miguel′s First Day Revisited Conclusion: Becoming a Student Centered Program In Review Chapter 15. Pathways as a Systematic Philosophy A Graduation Scenario System Change Creating a Structure with Purpose, Collaboration and Support Creating Cultural Change through Process and Experience Key Provisions for Successful Systems Change Conclusion Resources: Sample Forms A. Action Plan for Model Implementation B. Vision Process Action Plan C. Student 4-Year Planning Sheet D. Sample Career Pathway Educational Development Plan (E.D.P.) E. Department Goal Planning/Action Sheet F. Curriculum Planning Tool G. Career Pathway 4x4 Block Scheduling Planner H. Career Pathway Alternative Block (A/B) Scheduling Planner I. Career Pathway Traditional Block Scheduling Planner J. Student Goal Planner K. Study Skill Planner L. Student Teaming Card M. Sample Journal Questionnaire N. Pathway Decision Making Planner O. Chat Card P. Pathway Integrated Unit Planner Q. School Climate Planning Sheet R. Staff 1st Day of School Questionnaire References