Learning Symphony ~ The Career Network

The Career Network
A Fully-Developed Interdisciplinary Project Using the Power of Technology to
Increase Learning for Grades 9 through 12

Overview
An interdisciplinary project for grades 9-12, Career Development and Occupational Studies is a central theme of every high school classroom. The Career Network project engages students in preparing for future careers through engaging activities that will help them determine future paths and in mapping out a direction for gaining the skills and knowledge necessary for their future success. Career Network has a real-world focus and natural emphasis on quality student work as students explore the basic principles of career planning such as decision-making, self-evaluation, and goal setting.

The Career Network project calls for cooperative groups of students to conduct in-depth, meaningful investigations into the world of work and career options, as they relate personal skills, aptitudes, and abilities to future career decisions. This project addresses performance standards in Career Development and Occupational Studies, as well as the standards of several other disciplines. Students use technology resources for solving problems and making informed decisions. They employ technology in the development of strategies for solving problems in the real world.

Project Scope
Career Network is divided into three distinct but interrelated learning units followed by a culminating presentation:

Phase One:		Where Am I Going? – Students engage in a series of activities that help them assess their personal goals and matches these goals to a career option. They will research at least three specific jobs in their chosen career area and prepare an inventory of the acquired skills, qualities, and experiences necessary for successful employment as well as the job outlook (decline/growth) and possible earnings. They publish their findings as informational pamphlets.
Phase Two:		How Will I Get There? – Students demonstrate how academic knowledge and skills are applied in the workplace and other settings. They interview a person in their career option and/or prospective employers to help them identify the necessary application of academic knowledge and technical skills that are required for particular careers. They develop a multimedia presentation to demonstrate how concepts from mathematics, science, social studies, English language arts and/or other disciplines are applied in a particular career option.
Phase Three:		Welcome to the Real World! – Students demonstrate mastery of foundational skills through a series of career building activities. They use multiple resources to research available jobs that meet their chosen career goals. They write a resume and a variety of cover letters and conduct mock-job interviews. Students also design a personal school to work plan containing specific stops toward attainment of a career goal.