Bright Spots: Guiding students towards the future

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BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

Earlier this year I met with students, along with school and district leaders, from Muhlenberg High School in Western Kentucky to better understand the strengths and opportunities that exist to create a meaningful high school experience. The students shared how much they loved the school culture and the new block schedule. They also shared that they wanted to better understand the pathways and options that were available to them as they were making these decisions about what classes to take. When the design team dove into the student feedback across all grades they walked away with so many "aha" moments, reflections, and concrete next steps.

This week I was back in Muhlenberg County doing learning walks and I want to share one of the many highlights that built on the feedback from students.

With Gratitude,
Katie

I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Here to Career Assessment

As we entered Mrs. Coombs' 8th grade social studies class I noticed a poster on the wall that intrigued me. She explained that students were about to be selecting their pathways for high school and they were usually ill-informed about pathways that were best suited for them. Just to be clear – these pathways are not intended to lock students into careers at age 14. The goal is to align students' strengths, interests, and goals with courses and applications that they are invested in.

To do this, she had students take the Junior Achievement Here to Career assessment that helped them identify their strengths, interests, and values and aligned them with potential careers. To support them in the transition to high school, Mrs. Coombs aligned the careers with the available high school pathways to help students make informed decisions about their pathway choices.

This is a simple activity that can help students develop self-awareness and empower them as learners to make decisions aligned with their strengths, interests, and values.

Interested in discussing strategies that build self-awareness and empower students to make decisions for their future? Let's connect!

Get in touch

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to support educators and district leaders in promoting learner agency in their learning community.

1. Giving students an EDGE. Explore how Beechwood Independent Schools' innovative PK-12 EDGE program integrates curriculum and experiences that build skills for a 21st Century work environment.

2. World of Work. Getting Smart's Tom Vander Ark shares how the Cajon Valley Union School District is helping elementary school students dream about the future by exploring careers at an early age. Read all about it here.

3. Share your Bright Spots! Have you implemented a learner-centered strategy in your school or classroom and want to share? We want to hear from you! Share your Learner-Centered Bright Spot with us here.