College and Career Readiness

School Counseling Programs College and Career Readiness

Overview

In today's global, knowledge-based economy, preparing each student for college and career readiness is the gateway to social mobility and better lifetime opportunities. Through the Utah College and Career Readiness School Counseling Program Model, school counselors use a comprehensive, systemic approach to inspire and prepare all students for post-secondary educational opportunities through individual student planning, career pathways, and career literacy.

Bethany Marker
School Counseling Program Specialist
Phone: (801) 538-7929 | E-mail

Millie Mortensen
Support Staff
Phone: (801) 538-7631 | E-mail

School Counseling Program Model

The Utah K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Program Model provides a comprehensive framework for school counselors to promote a whole child approach to academic/learning, life/career, multicultural/global citizenship, and social/emotional development for each student. This K-12 framework is also systemic in that it ensures student supports are deeply ingrained in the system to improve outcomes for students, not only academically but also for lifelong success. Taking a comprehensive and systemic approach offers school counselors, teachers, administrators, other school personnel, and policymakers a range of strategies and practical tips to work more effectively in their schools and communities. Effective collection, analysis, and use of data ensure school counselors are accountable for personal and program implementation while meeting the individual needs of students. The data-driven process helps all stakeholders select and implement intentional supports and interventions that close equity gaps, demonstrate program effectiveness, and raise achievement levels for each student.

Utah Model YouTube

Plan for College and Career Readiness

The Plan for College and Career Readiness process is a comprehensive approach to individual student planning in which school counselors coordinate ongoing activities to help students establish personal goals and develop future plans. School counselors help students make successful transitions from grade level to grade level, set future goals (including selecting college and career pathways), and establish career literacy. School counselors who establish a systemic approach for the school counseling program build an environment where each student has equitable access to all school programs and can achieve and attain their goals.

Related Policies and Guidelines

53E-2-304. School district and individual school powers—Plan for college and career readiness definition.

2(b) (i) As used in this title, “plan for college and career readiness” means a plan developed by a student and the student’s parent or guardian, in consultation with school counselors, teachers, and administrators that:

(A) is initiated at the beginning of grade 7;

(B) identifies a student’s skills and objectives;

(D) links a student to post-secondary options, including higher education and careers.

(ii) Each local school board, in consultation with school personnel, parents, and school community councils or similar entities shall establish policies to provide for the effective implementation of an individual learning plan or a plan for college and career readiness for each student at the school site.

(iii) The policies shall include guidelines and expectations for:

(A) recognizing the student's accomplishments, strengths, and progress toward meeting student achievement standards as defined in the core standards for Utah public schools;

(B) planning, monitoring, and managing education and career development; and

(C) involving students, parents, and school personnel in preparing and implementing an individual learning plan and a plan for college and career readiness.

(iv) A parent may request a conference with school personnel in addition to an individual learning plan or a plan for college and career readiness conference established by local school board policy.

(v) Time spent during the school day to implement an individual learning plan or a plan for college and career readiness is considered part of the school term referred to in Subsection 53F-2-102.

R277-462-5. Planning for College and Career Readiness. (Utah State Board of Education Administrative Rules)

(6) An LEA shall ensure the implementation for a plan for college and career readiness is consistent with the LEA’s program goals and includes the following conference meetings:

(a) at least one individual and one group conference meeting during:

(i) 7th and 8th grades: minimally one individual and one group conference during the two years;

(ii) 9th and 10th grades: minimally one individual conference and one group conference during the two years;

(iii) 11th and 12 graders: minimally one individual conference and one group conference during the two years; and

(b) other meetings as needed.

Career Literacy

Career literacy provides students with the capacity to make informed decisions about choosing a career and deciding the best course of action to reach their goals. School counselors play an integral role in helping students gain an understanding of a variety of careers. They also help align career aspirations to educational opportunities that support the student’s individual College and Career Readiness Plan.

School counselors and CTE collaborate to provide students the best opportunity to prepare for their future. The focus of CTE Career Pathways changes the paradigm of career planning for students from career development to career literacy. Career literacy is the basic knowledge and skills that students need to navigate the world of work. It involves a holistic approach that helps students to understand a range of career fields, multiple entry and exit points for various occupations, and strategies for career development and advancement. The career literacy process transforms the student mindset to enable them to make more informed decisions regarding their career pathway. School counselors help to ensure that each student is college and career ready.

For further information regarding CTE, refer to the Utah State Board of Education Career and Technical Education (CTE) website.

Keys to Success

Keys to Success is an online college and career platform administered by the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE). Keys to Success top priority is to motivate Utah students to connect with scholarships, internships, CTE Pathways, and opportunities that align with their interests. The program is presented to students as an application for ultimate accessibility. The website also provides school counselors (K-12) with resources and tools to support student development in college and career readiness.

YouScience

YouScience is an aptitude-based career guidance platform that assesses students’ natural talents and matches them to best-fit academic and career pathways, work-based learning, and post-secondary opportunities. Identifying emerging talents in 7th/8th grade provides students and school counselors with information to help students select electives and career pathways. In high school, additional talents are identified and related to best-fit careers, providing students and school counselors with information on post-secondary opportunities for college majors and career outcomes. YouScience cuts through social bias and noise, providing gender, racial and urban/rural equity – levelling the playing field for all students – because all students have talent.

YouScience also provides career-skill certifications in elective and career pathway classes. Combining aptitudes, interests and skills, provides students and school counselors with a well-rounded view of a student and leads to better post-secondary decisions.

To get started contact Kellie Openshaw at (801) 653-0759.