Career Counseling in Schools
College Ready – student is able to understand what is expected in a college course, can cope with the
content knowledge that is presented, and can take away four course key lessons and dispositions.
Career Ready – three major skill areas: core academic skills and the ability to apply those skills in the
workplace; employability skills (critical thinking and responsibility) that are essential for any career
area; technical, job-specific skills related to a specific career pathway.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 – legislation to improve academic achievement and to focus attention
on minority populations to help close the achievement gap.
Blueprint for the Reauthorization of Elementary and Secondary Schools Act – policy to promote
greater high school graduation rates, along with expanded access to postsecondary options.
Winning the Future Agenda – President Obama’s proposal to strengthen the U.S. economy and global
position by allocating funding for education, innovation, building and reform. Included are efforts to
increase STEM careers and training.
STEM Careers – careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory - Otherwise known as the Human Ecology Theory, the Ecological
Systems theory states that human development is influenced by the different types of environmental
systems. Formulated by famous psychologist Urie Bronfenbrenner, this theory helps us understand why
we may behave differently when we compare our behavior in the presence of our family and our
behavior when we are in school or at work. The five systems include:
 Microsystem – small environmental systems that exist in a child’s immediate surroundings
 Mesosystem – interactions between microsystems (e.g. home and school)
 Exosystem – structures that interact with microsystems (e.g. school board policies)
 Macrosystem – cultural beliefs and values held by society
 Chronosystem - the transitions and shifts in one's lifespan. This may also involve the sociohistorical contexts that may influence a person.
Young’s Career Concept – a framework for career counseling at each ecosystem level
American School Counseling Association - supports school counselors' efforts to help students focus on
academic, career and social/emotional development so they achieve success in school and are prepared
to lead fulfilling lives as responsible members of society.
ASCA Student Standards – gives school counselors a framework for identifying the skill and knowledge
competencies that students need to develop in personal/social, career, and academic domains.