Career and College Planning Night January 13, 2010

1. Career and College Planning Night January 13, 2010

2. MISSION STATEMENTThe mission of the Valley View School District as an educational community is to develop a rigorous and relevant curriculum and a nurturing environment which will empower all students with the resources and abilities needed to: become contributing members of our changing society access and process information into useful lifelong learning skills develop critical thinking and leadership skills and promote responsible citizenship.

3. CareerPathways

4. Career Pathways • A career pathway: • a coherent, articulated sequence of rigorous academic and career related courses, leads to an associate degree, and/or an industry-recognized certificate or licensure, and/or a baccalaureate and beyond

5. Career Pathways Relevance & rigor leading to postsecondary success • Pre K-12 focus • Career readiness skills • Link school and courses with careers • Internships and job shadowing • Extracurricular & service learning

6. Why choose a Career Pathway? To help focus on a career area that matches interests To help set goals and discover classes To create career awareness To encourage planning for post-secondary education and opportunities To provide knowledge that relates your high school education to the world after graduation

7. How do I choose a Career Pathway? Research various career fields and complete designated career development activities Example: building a career portfolio beginning in 9th grade Counselors, parents and teachers can assist you Complete the self-assessment in Career Cruising

8. The Plan… • Students explore career information from the 5 major career pathways: • Arts, AV Technology, and Communications • Business, Management, and Administration • Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics • Human Services • Health Sciences

9. ARTS, AV TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS PATHWAY This Pathway is designed to cultivate students’ awareness, interpretation, application and production of visual, verbal and written work. If you answered “yes” to most of these questions, you might consider a future in one of the sample occupations listed below which are categorized by level of post-secondary training. PATHWAY FOCUS AREAS ◊ Performing Arts (PA) ◊ Visual Arts (VA) ◊ Publishing Arts (PU) SAMPLE CAREERS *High Priority Occupations–Job categories that are in demand by employers, have higher skill needs and are most likely to provide family-sustaining wages.

10. ARTS, AV TECHNOLOGY & COMMUNICATIONS This four-year plan of study should serve as a guide as you develop your academic core requirements and electives. All plans should meet VVHS graduation requirements.

11. ELECTIVES Please Note: Before selecting any elective, be sure all prerequisites have been met. Check the course description pages of this booklet for elective requirements. Note: The recommended pathway electives are to be used as a guide. Students may not repeat courses that they have passed and earned credit, except for the CTC and Band and Chorus.

12. Pathway Option:Arts, AV Technology,& Communications Focus Areas: • Performing Arts (PA) • Visual Arts (VA) • Publishing Arts (PU)

13. Focus Areas: Business Management (BM) Marketing & Sales (MS) Finance (F) Information technology (IT) Pathway Option: Business, Management, and Administration

14. Pathway Option: Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics Focus Areas: Construction & Architecture (CA) Manufacturing (M) Engineering & Engineering Technology (ET) Transportation, Distribution & Logistics (TDL)

15. Pathway Option: Human Services Focus Areas: Law, Public Safety, & Government (LPG) Counseling & Personal Care (CPC) Hospitality & Tourism (HT) Education (E)

16. Pathway Option: Health Science Focus Areas: • Health Science (HS) • Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources (AFN)

17. Grades 9-12 Enrollment in an elective subject related to the pathway choice Participation in career related activities directly related to a career pathway in elective and required courses Career focused graduation project completed in the senior year

18. Grades 9 - 12 All relate to Student’s Pathway Choice: Opportunities for shadowing Presentations by speakers Counselor directed career activities Career Cruising www.careercruising.com

19. High School GPA and Class Rank Prepare by taking PSAT SAT – ACT Challenging Courses Recommendations Interview Co-curricular activities or work Community Service What is Important?

20. Know Yourself • Values • Ambitions • Achievements • Academic Strengths • Interests • Your Standout Talents

21. Student Information MySpace - Internet Accounts Colleges and universities along with future employers are checking internet sites before admitting students Discipline Record Many schools now ask if you have ever been suspended or expelled. Most ask if you have had a drug or alcohol violation FAFSA – Federal Financial Aid Form now asks if student has been convicted of a drug violation

22. Courses Do Matter! Students need to take challenging courses Need to balance: Student Ability vs. Work Load

23. 2.0 and Go – is no more A “C” average will not get your child into a selective college today More than ever are applying It is hard to “fix” a low GPA 9th grade classes can come back to haunt you!

24. 12th Grade Is Too Late! Admission requirements: Math English Biological & Physical Sciences Social Studies Foreign Language

25. PSAT Test Information • The following presentation explains the PSAT test that your child took in October 2009. • The PSAT is the best preparation for the SAT. • Students should continue to practice using the PSAT test booklet and answer sheet they will receive this evening. • Check www.collegeboard.com and www.act.org for additional test preparation. (on-line SAT prep)

26. SAT - Scoring Math Score: 200 - 800 Critical Reading Score: 200 – 800 Writing: 200 – 800 Writing Sub scores Multiple choice: 20-80 Essay: 2-12 Ranges: 600-2400

27. Types of Colleges

28. Types of Colleges

29. Choosing Your College Priorities What is important to you? • Location • Academics • Size • Campus Appeal • Social Life • Total Cost (w/aid)

30. What information do college admission officers review? • Grades / Overall GPA • Strength of high school course selections • Admission Test Score • Essay • Teacher and counselor recommendations • Class rank • Student’s demonstrated interest • Personal accomplishments • Personality characteristics • Courses in progress Junior and Senior year

31. SAT Critical Reading, Math & Writing Scores Critical Math & Reading Scores only – Reported by The College Handbook

32. In-State Tuition/Room & BoardFour-year programs

33. Two-year and Certification Programs

34. How Do You Get Ready?

35. Parents’ Role Help your child balance academics, co-curricular activities and social demands Discuss career plans and goals Use critical information to set a realistic path Student’s strengths & interests Grades Students will take PSAT Prepare for the SAT/ACT

36. 10 Tips for Parents • Help your student understand the college search process • Be realistic and non-judgmental • Be in the "back seat" - and not the driver - of the college search process • Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions • Be aware of deadlines and fees due • Know that things have changed since your college days • Don’t overemphasize your own alma maters • Don’t compare your student with others • Don’t dwell on disappointments, like a rejection letter • Celebrate successes!

37. Do you have a plan? Develop a career plan Career Cruising www.careercruising.com Focus on broad career strands Meet with your school counselor Do I need a two/ four year program or certificate? What schools offer the program? What are the school’s requirements? Do I need the SAT or ACT? Am I taking the right classes?

38. Sophomore Year Continue to stress–Academics are Important! Fall, take mandatory PSAT Begin to look at college requirements Junior Year Narrow career/college choices & visit Fall, take PSAT SAT prep courses Spring – take SAT (March, May or June) exam Attend Post-Secondary Information Night (March 11, 2010),Valley View Career Fair (March 12, 2010), Northeast College Fair (April 26, 2010) • Senior Year • **Apply early – Apply early – Apply early! • Meet with your counselor • Possibly take SAT/ACT again or SAT II • Gather information for financial aid application

39. What’s Next? Focus on future course options • Set your goals! • Develop your Career Plan! • Get Involved! • Take advantage of SAT prep offerings