Why Are We Career Planning Already?

“The National Career Development Association recommends that middle school students learn about themselves by developing awareness of their occupational interests, aptitudes and career values; gaining an understanding of the value and concept of work; and making preliminary occupational choices that are open to change. Self-knowledge is a necessary first step toward developing decision-making skills for education and careers, even as goals and interests change over time. Research has identified middle school as a time when students can benefit the most from career exploration. In addition, middle schoolers’ brains are receptive to developing the competencies known as 21st-century skills, non-cognitive skills, soft skills or employability skills. These skills include critical thinking, adaptability, problem solving, oral and written communications, collaboration, creativity, responsibility, professionalism, ethics and technology use. Employers report that employability skills are critical to the workforce, and many are also positively associated with academic achievement and post-secondary success.” – ACTE

Supporting Research

Career Exploration in Middle School by the Association of Career and Technical Education

Career Readiness For All by Coalition for Career Development

Individual Learning Plan Fact Sheet by National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth

SEL Standards

○ Understand how to be mentally and emotionally healthy (CDE Comprehensive Health Standards, 6th
Grade 3.1)
○ Apply effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills to enhance health (CDE Comprehensive
Health Standards, 6th Grade 3.2)

ICAP Quality Indicators

○ Personal Awareness
○ Career Awareness
○ Postsecondary Aspirations
○ Postsecondary Options
○ Environmental Expectations
○ Academic Planning
○ Employability Skills

Assignments

August

• As a Class: Class Contract
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Starting Strong
• Random Acts of Kindness: Respect
• Naviance: SMART Goals

September

• As a Class: Time Management and Organization
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Get Plugged In
• Random Acts of Kindness: Self-Care
• Naviance: Achieve Works Personality

October

• As a Class: Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Labels
• Random Acts of Kindness: Find Your Empathy
• Naviance: Transition to MS Survey

November

• As a Class: Coping with Crisis
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Motivation Formula
• Random Acts of Kindness: A Meal of Gratitude
• Naviance: RoadTrip Nation

December

• As a Class: Class Contract Review
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Climbing Out
• Random Acts of Kindness: Friendship vs. Clique
• Naviance: Goal Review

January

• As a Class: Growth Mindset
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Desire, Time, and Effort
• Random Acts of Kindness: Is it Fair, Equitable, Both, or Neither
• Naviance: RoadTrip Nation

February

• As a Class: Healthy Relationships
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Jumping Hurdles
• Random Acts of Kindness: Making Choices
• Naviance: Resume Scavenger Hunt

March

• As a Class: Mindfulness
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Defense Mechanisms
• Random Acts of Kindness: Digital Responsibility
• Naviance: Resume Building

April

• As a Class: Effective Communication
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try- Lift the Weight
• Random Acts of Kindness: Rights and Responsibilities
• Naviance: Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies

May

• As a Class: Exploring Culture, Identity, and Social Justice
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Why Try-The Wall
• Random Acts of Kindness: One of a Kind
• Naviance: Goal Review