Transition to HS

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Transition to High School

High School & Beyond Plan (HSBP)

 

What is it

Your student will begin exploring the many career options available after they earn their 24 credit high school diploma. It is designed to help students think about their future and choose coursework that prepares them to achieve their goals after high school.

Why are they starting this now

Having an idea of what your student would like to do in the future, helps them choose the correct classes to reach their career interest goals. There are 16 Career Clusters that have been determined by the Washington State Board of Education. Middle school students will learn six general career areas based on the 16 Career Clusters. Each career area encompasses industries which have a variety of occupations within each area. For example, the Helping and Service Careers area encompasses everything from Child Care Worker to Travel Agent. Personal Pathway Requirements (PPR) will provide flexibility for your student to select courses that work toward their career interest goal. Career pathways are inpidualized to each student. If your student would like to operate their own company, their pathway could include attending a 4 year college/university. This would determine whether they take two years of a World Language (an admissions requirement). If your student would like to learn about construction, their pathway could include attending a vocational/technical program. Instead of taking two years of World Language, they could take woodworking, drafting, and/or a technical math class along with their required classes for graduation. We understand the Career Area and post high school education plan may change several times before students settle on their final HSBP. Middle schoolers start considering their HSBP by identifying current interests and increasing awareness of future career opportunities. The HSBP will be revisited each year of high school and updated by students to inform course selection for graduation and post-high school planning.

What can you do

Talk to your student about their interests, skills and passions. Identify their future ideas and dreams. Strengths? (creative, technical, people person) Interests? (music, design, history, writing, reading, mathematics)

Where do they see themselves in the future

(urban setting, office, outdoors, family) New careers are being imagined every day. Over time careers adapt and adjust based on external factors (environment, technology, outsourcing, etc.). The HSBP can and may change as students gain new experiences and exposure to future career opportunities.

Timeline

Materials will come home with your child regarding the Career Area selection process and high school course registration for freshman year.

  • Lesson 1- What is the High School & Beyond Plan? Overview (Feb-March)
  • Lesson 2- Research and Selection of Personalized Pathway (March-April)
  • Lesson 3- Registration Overview & Distribution of Paperwork April High School (9th grade) Course Registration Materials Due & Parent Night