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

○ Access valid and reliable school and community resources to help with mental and emotional heath concerns (CDE Comprehensive Health Standards, 8th
Grade 3.1)
○ Analyze internal and external factors that influence mental and emotional health(CDE Comprehensive
Health Standards, 8th 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: Self-Esteem and Self-Image
• Naviance: SMART Goals

September

• As a Class: Time Management and Organization
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Get Plugged In
• Random Acts of Kindness: Respect is a Human Right
• Naviance: Achieve Works Learning and Productivity

October

• As a Class: Self-Awareness and Self-Regulation
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Labels
• Random Acts of Kindness: Empathy and Compassion
• Naviance: How Your Brain Works

November

• As a Class: Coping with Crisis
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Motivation Formula
• Random Acts of Kindness: Walking in Their Shoes
• Naviance: RoadTrip Nation

December

• As a Class: Class Contract Review
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Climbing Out
• Random Acts of Kindness: Responding to Peer Pressure
• Naviance: Goal Review

January

• As a Class: Growth Mindset
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Desire, Time, and Effort
• Random Acts of Kindness: Shortcut or Loophole
• Naviance: RoadTrip Nation

February

• As a Class: Healthy Relationships
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Jumping Hurdles
• Random Acts of Kindness: Rebuilding Trust
• Naviance: Resume Scavenger Hunt

March

• As a Class: Mindfulness
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Defense Mechanisms
• Random Acts of Kindness: Building Self-Discipline
• Naviance: Resume Building

April

• As a Class: Effective Communication
• SEL w/Ms. Nina: Lift the Weight
• Random Acts of Kindness: Conflict in Responsibility
• Naviance: Study Skills and Test Taking Strategies

May

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