West Virginia Department of Education
School Innovation Zone and Dropout Prevention Innovation Zone
2013-14 GRANT APPLICATION
Career Development – Middle School Model
Description of the Priority Area:
All middle school students need contextual career awareness and exploration opportunities integrated
into the curriculum. “Research shows our children make life-changing decisions in middle school,” Gov.
Tomblin said. The focus should be to “help our students make the connection between their personal
interests and future career opportunities, correlate middle school curriculum with the path necessary to
attain good-paying jobs and raise student achievement.
Components of a Career Development Middle School Model should
include:
1. Designate a staff member (ie: “Career Development Coach”, Career Development
Specialist”), to facilitate the process at the school to:
a. Develop a school-wide Career Development Plan
b. Assist teachers in identifying career development resources, integrating in subject
area standards, and submitting customized resources using WVDE in|site.
c. Coordinate and evaluate career development strategies;
d. Serve as a business/industry liaison;
e. Communicate labor market demand and college and career ready research.
2. Develop a structured Career Development Plan that includes implementation and
evaluation of these components:
a. Career assessments including interest, skills, work preferences, and learning styles
(ie: ACT Explore, CFWV, My Strategic Compass, Career Cruising);
b. Career exploration project-based learning modules integrated into all curriculum
areas that provide experiences in all 16 Department of Labor clusters. Integrate
science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to help students discover their
interests and aptitudes in emerging careers;
c. Structured advisor/advisee process;
d. Individual Student Career Plan process for students to track and reflect on interest,
projects, and community experiences in each cluster. Includes portfolio
development, presentation, and continual updating of career goal and action plan;
e. Parent and student information and experiences to initiate career and college plans.
Education preparation includes high school career and technical education for
career readiness and/or preparation for college;
f. Professional development opportunities.
Resources Available:
SREB: A New Mission for the Middle Grades Report
In|site
WVDE School Counseling Resources