As the value of a college education comes under increased scrutiny, more students and their families are pursuing post-high-school alternatives, such as work-based opportunities. Work-based learning involves formal activities, such as apprenticeships, internships, and work placements, and less-formal ones, such as career speakers and job shadowing. For the career counselor, this represents a challenge: how... Continue Reading →
CTE Pathways is not cheap. The investment from the federal government will top $1.3 billion for this year. Equipment, supplies, and training add up to a large price tag. But if this is the case, why are many legislators and school leaders so supportive of CTE programming? The answer is clear: when done correctly, CTE... Continue Reading →
The way that we measure student success has evolved over the past two decades. Before the 2001 reauthorization of ESEA, achievement gaps and low graduation rates among subgroups—primarily, low SES and minority students—could be hidden by aggregating data. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act held schools accountable by requiring the disaggregation of graduation rates... Continue Reading →
Career planning and development for students is a bit like building with Legos. You have a vision in mind of the goal: a glorious Harry Potter castle, a shiny BatMobile, or something made entirely from scratch. One brick at a time, the structure takes shape—but planning is required, the right “bricks” are needed, guidance is... Continue Reading →
The global COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented disruptions in education. Previously, graduation rates nationwide were steadily climbing, and while 2020 saw a decline of on-time high school graduations in several states, other states, including New York, Florida, and Utah, saw continued progress. While this is positive news, students need more than a diploma. They need a... Continue Reading →
Albert Einstein said, “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” Implementing a career development plan for students throughout a district might sound simple but can be quite complex. The larger the school district, the more complicated it can be, but with the right tools, simplicity in planning for teachers, counselors,... Continue Reading →
A Team Approach to Supporting Students with Making Career and Academic Choices In a school, the role of career advisor cannot fall to just the counselor—it must be a team effort. Schools that commit to the post-secondary success of every student understand this. The counselor’s goal of supporting students with making career and academic choices... Continue Reading →
Much is expected of career counselors in today’s secondary school environment, but not all their resources are geared toward helping students find a path to success. Counselors often play a role in resolving student wellbeing and family issues. With ratios as overwhelming as 479 students to every counselor, it's challenging to find the time to... Continue Reading →
Career counselors at secondary schools have so much vying for their attention these days. A technologically driven economy is creating new fields, seemingly overnight. At the same time, students in greater numbers are deciding on future pathways that do not require a four-year degree, choosing instead to pursue options such as associate’s degrees, technical schools,... Continue Reading →
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