Presented by
Karen L. Alexander, Ph.D.
7/27/2016
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OTHER ASPECTS OF
EDUCATION (TESTING) =
THOUSANDS
CAREER
EDUCATION < A
CAN OF “COKE”
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K-12: We have far too few counselors
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Most school counselors have little time to provide
career counseling and many don’t understand the
labor market
Higher-Ed: Resources are often constrained,
especially at community colleges
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Few colleges embrace a comprehensive
approach: including a strong emphasis on workbased learning
Discussions about occupations: Not always
accurate and honest
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Multiple Pathways to obtain occupation
Four-year degree might not be necessary
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We’ve been told:
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4-year college is seen as the only
true pathway to success—When
College is Not For Everyone article
High school is about preparing
students for 4-year college
Academics are emphasized at the
expense of career
education/preparation
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Disengagement:
Students who
don’t see the
purpose of
learning lose
interest: (EdWeek
Article—April
2014)
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Evolution of terminology:
 Limitations of “career guidance” and “career
development”
The concept of “career literacy”:
 Equipping students/adults with the
knowledge, tools, and support they need to
make good career decisions: Now and in the
Future
The appeal of “literacy”
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THE GOAL—Make Careers a Central Focus of
Education
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Creating an America in which all young
people are prepared to lead
productive and successful lives. We
believe that providing young people
with high-quality multiple pathways is
the best way to help them discover
and develop their potential and
achieve economic independence.
Source: http://globalpathwaysinstitute.org
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http://globalpathwaysinstitute.org/events/career-literacy/
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Career Guidance is a Focus of Education:
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K-12: Begin early and emphasize often
Postsecondary: The goal is completion with a
purpose: obtaining a credential that provides a
pathway to a promising career
Adopt a More Collaborative Approach:
Involve the entire school community
 Engage business, parents, the broader community
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Embrace Work-Based Learning
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Recommendations and Findings:
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Counselors cannot do it alone—
Collaboration is Essential
Technology is essential, but not a
panacea
A caring adult is critical
Require all teachers to take a course in
career development
Incorporate career readiness into state
accountability systems
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Recommendations and Findings:
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Reward postsecondary institutions on
their effectiveness in placing students
Greatly expand the availability of workbased learning
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Texas Comprehensive Developmental Guidance
and Counseling Program Model Guide
 Guidance Curriculum
 Responsive Services
 Individual Planning
 System Support
Let’s look more closely
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What is happening locally?
Is it a collective effort?
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How is your district approaching?
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Who is leading the discussion?
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Are all of the key players at the table?
Employment: Career Advancement
Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
Postsecondary: Career Preparation
Achieving credentials: college, certification, apprenticeship, military
9-12: Programs of Study Related to a Career Goal
Academic and technical courses supporting the career goal/s, intensive
guidance, continued career assessment, extended learning experiences,
personal graduation plans
Grade 8: Career Exploration and Transition
Develop graduation plans based upon personal interest/cluster areas
leading to an endorsement
6-8: Initial Career Exploration
Discovering interest areas, introduction of career assessments, ageappropriate extended learning experiences, e.g. job shadowing, interviews
with professionals, CTSOs
K-5: Understanding the Importance and Value of Work and Jobs
Introduction to the world of careers
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Visit our website at
www.achievetexas.org
Email Dr. Karen Alexander at
karen.alexander@ttu.edu
Email Dr. Cindy Miller at
cynthia.l.miller@ttu.edu
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