In order for students to have a successful transition from middle school to high school, high school to work, post secondary education, or the military, instruction in career development is necessary. Students need a structured framework in selecting educational programs and careers that will lead to personal satisfaction. Career awareness, exploring, planning, and management provide the stages for educators to prepare youth to enter their chosen occupations.
A comprehensive career awareness and exploration plan should include self and career awareness at the elementary level. Students at this level should be introduced to careers in the community and region; examine relationships between learning and working; explore opportunities of various careers; and investigate the interrelationship of life roles, life styles, and careers.
Students at the middle school level should explore career options in various fields. They need to examine the requirements for a variety of careers; demonstrate knowledge of inter-relationship of life roles, life styles, and careers; examine the relationship of educational achievement to career findings in terms of interest and abilities.
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