Education Standards

ENGAGE

ENGAGE

Overview

This is a project based course designed to help middle school students explore career options using the Nebraska Career Education Model and understand the Nebraska Career Readiness Standards. The course is organized by three themes – Making it My Choice, A World of Options and Charting a Direction – with culminating individual and group projects. Students will define career clusters and pathways, describe examples of career readiness, utilize self-assessments to better understand interests, establish a career portfolio and create a personal learning plan to provide direction to high school and post-high school activities. This course is aligned to American School Counselor Association Standards for Students, uses Nebraska Career Connections an online career information system and integrates EducationQuest tools and resources for middle school students.

Recommended Level: Grades 7-8
Course Code:  320300

Engage Career Exploration & Readiness Curriculum: A Teacher Guide and Materials for the Course

 

 

 

Engage! Middle School Career Exploration and Readiness

This is a project based course designed to help middle school students explore career options using the Nebraska Career Education Model and understand the Nebraska Career Readiness Standards. The course is organized by three themes - Making it My Choice, A World of Options and Charting a Direction - with culminating individual and group projects. Students will define career clusters and pathways, describe examples of career readiness, utilize self-assessments to better understand interests, establish a career portfolio and create a personal learning plan to provide direction to high school and post-high school activities. This course is aligned to American School Counselor Association Standards for Students, integrates Nebraska Career Connections an online career information system for Nebraska and Education Quest tools and resources for middle school students.

User Guide to Engage

This user guide describes the curriculum design model of project based learning, theory of career development for middle school and includes scope and sequence options for the course.  

Recommended Level: Grades 7-8
Course Code for Nebraska Department of Education:  320300

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Engage Unit 1

 

 

 

Unit 1

 

 

 

Unit 1 - Making it My Choice!
Unit 1 | 
OVERVIEW Unit 1
Navigating the Course - Where are we in the course?

Summary of OVERVIEW: Making it My Choice! is designed to assist middle school students in taking ownership of their future choices, especially those related to career exploration. In this unit, students will learn more about themselves and how their decisions and career-planning efforts will impact their futures. Through the exploration of college and career readiness skills, students will begin the process of growing into a career-ready student.

Outcomes: The student synthesizes a mission statement and orally responds to questions regarding ownership of his or her future plans. Mission statements and oral responses should demonstrate active reflection, synthesis, and application of Key Concepts related to the following Essential Questions:

Essential Question 1: How do I take ownership of my future?

Essential Question 2: How do decisions I make today directly influence my future?

Essential Question 3: How do I start career planning now?

Essential Question 4: Why must I grow and develop college and career readiness skills?

Project Based Learning Type of Session & NameKey Events Unit 1

SESSION 1
Unit 1 Introduction:
Making It My Choice

  • Experience the idea of living by choice versus by chance
  • Introduce the Essential Questions for Unit 1.
  • Preview the Unit 1 Milestone Project.

SESSION 2
Guided Instruction:
Topic 1-1: Own My Future!

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: How do I take ownership of my future?
  • Introduce Learning Expedition Guide 1-1.

SESSION 3
Self-Directed Learning:
Topic 1-1: Own My Future!

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 1: How do I take ownership of my future?
  • Complete Learning Expedition Guide 1-1.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 1 Milestone Project.

SESSION 4
Guided Instruction:

Topic 1-2: Make It Count!

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: How do decisions I make today directly influence my future?
  • Introduce Learning Expedition Guide 1-2.

SESSION 5
Self-Directed Learning:

Topic 1-2: Make It Count!

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: How do decisions I make today directly influence my future?
  • Complete Learning Expedition Guide 1-2.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 1 Milestone Project.

SESSION 6
Guided Instruction:

Topic 1-3: Where Do I Start? Career Planning 101

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 3: How do I start career planning now?

SESSION 7
Guided Instruction:

Topic 1-3: Where Do I Start? College and Career Readiness Skills

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 4: Why must I grow and develop college and career readiness skills?
  • Introduce Learning Expedition Guide 1-3.

SESSION 8 & 9
Self-Directed Learning:

Topic 1-3: How Do I Start?

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Questions 3 & 4.
  • Complete Learning Expedition 1-3.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 1 Milestone Project.
  • Distribute the letter to parents regarding supporting student learning.

SESSION 10 & 11
Milestone Project:

Construction & Feedback

  • Refine and complete the Unit 1 Milestone Project.
  • Self-evaluate the Unit 1 Milestone Project using the Milestone Project Rubric: Unit 1.
  • Meet with the teacher to receive feedback on the Unit 1 Milestone Project.

SESSION 12
Milestone Project:

Showcase & Final Assessment

  • Showcase completed Unit 1 Milestone Projects.
  • Complete final evaluation of Unit 1 Milestone Projects.

SESSION 13

Optional: End-of-Unit Exam

  • Complete the End-of-Unit Exam: Unit 1 and course evaluation.

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Unit 1 Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans

Unit 1 - Session 1 | Introduction - Making It My Choice

Unit 1 - Session 2 | Guided Instruction -My Own Future

Unit 1 - Session 3 | Self-Directed - Own My Future

Unit 1 - Session 4 | Guided Instruction -Make It Count

Unit 1 - Session 5 | Self-Directed - Make It Count

Unit 1 - Session 6 | Guided Instruction - Where Do I Start Career Readiness

Unit 1 - Session 7 | Guided Instruction - Where Do I Start Career Readiness

Unit 1 - Sessions 8 & 9 | Self-Directed - How Do I Start

Unit 1 - Sessions 10 & 11 | Milestone Project - Construction and Feedback

Unit 1 - Session 12 | Milestone Project -Showcase

Unit 1 - Session 13 | Optional Exam

Unit 1 - Session 13 | Optional Exam Answer Key

Student Activity Sheets 

Unit 1 - All Sessions 1-12 | Student Activity Sheets

Power Points

Unit 1 - Session 1 | 1.1 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 2 | 1.2 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 3 | 1.3 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 4 | 1.4 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 5 |  1.5 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 6 |  1.6 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 7 | 1.7 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 8 & 9 | 1.8&9 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 10 &11 | 1.10&11 ppt

Unit 1 - Session 12 | 1.12 ppt

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Engage Unit 2

 

 

 

Unit 2

 

 

 

Unit 2 - Overview: A World of Options!
Unit 2 | 
OVERVIEW Unit 2
Navigating the Course - Where are we in the course?

Summary of OVERVIEW: A World of Options! engages students in exploring a world of career options. In this unit, students build a schema for understanding and classifying career options using the Nebraska Career Education Model. Within this model, students explore how education, interests, and experience relate to career options. Students also explore key issues, trends, and innovations that influence or change the career landscape as a whole. By the end of this unit, students will use Career Clusters to explore one or two broad sectors of career interest.

Outcomes:  The students synthesize a multi-media report outlining information about the nature of careers within one broad Career Cluster. Reports created should demonstrate active synthesis, application, and use of the Key Concepts related to the following Essential Questions.

Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers? 

Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues, and innovations changing the world of careers?

Project Based Learning Type of Session & NameKey Events Unit 2
SESSION 1
Unit 2 Introduction:  
A World of Options!
  • Experience the different sectors in the world of careers.
  • Introduce the two Essential Questions for Unit 2.
  • Preview the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 2
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-1: My Career Options: Six Career Fields 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
  • Introduce the Learning Expedition Guide 2-1.
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
SESSION 3
Self-Directed Learning: 
Topic 2-1: My Career Options: 16 Career Clusters 
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-1.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 4
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-2: Career Path Development 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
SESSION 5
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-2: Career Path Development 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
  • Introduce the Learning Expedition Guide 2-2.
SESSION 6 & 7
Self-Directed Learning: 
Topic 2-2: Career Path Development 
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-2.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 8
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-3: Sorting Out My Career Options 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
  • Introduce the Learning Expedition Guide 2-3.
SESSION 9
Self-Directed Learning: 
Topic 2-3: Sorting Out My Career Options 
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 1: What are my options in the world of careers?
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-3.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 10
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-4: Trends, Issues, and Innovations 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues and innovations changing the world of careers?
  • Introduce the Learning Expedition Guide 2-4.
SESSION 11
Self-Directed Learning: 
Topic 2-4: Trends, Issues, and Innovations 
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues and innovations changing the world of careers?
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-4.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 11
Guided Instruction: 
Topic 2-5: The Workplace Now and in the Future 
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues and innovations changing careers.       
  • Introduce the Learning Expedition Guide 2-5.
SESSION 12
Self-Directed Learning: 
Topic 2-5: The Workplace now and in the Future 
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues, and innovations changing careers?
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-5.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.

SESSION 13 & 14
Guided Instruction:
Topic 2-6 

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: How are trends, issues, and innovations changing the world of careers?
  • Complete the Learning Expedition Guide 2-5.
  • Make progress toward the Unit 2 Milestone Project.   
SESSION 15 & 16
Milestone Project:  Construction & Feedback
  • Refine and complete the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
  • Self-evaluate the Unit 2 Milestone Project using the Milestone Project Rubric: Unit 2.
  • Meet with the teacher to receive feedback on the Unit 2 Milestone Project.
SESSION 17 & 18
Milestone Project:  
Showcase & Final Assessment
  • Showcase completed Unit 2 Milestone Project.
  • Complete the final evaluation of the Unit 2 Milestone Project.

SESSION 19

Optional: End-of-Unit 2 Exam

  • Complete Unit 2 Exam and course evaluation.


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Unit 2 Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans

Unit 2 - Session 1 | Introduction -A World of Options

Unit 2 - Session 2 | Guided Instruction - My Career Options

Unit 2 - Session 3 | Self-Directed Learning - My Career Options

Unit 2 - Session 4 | Guided Instruction - Career Path Development

Unit 2 - Session 5 | Guided Instruction - Career Path Development

Unit 2 - Sessions 6 & 7 | Self-Directed Learning - Career Path Development

Unit 2 - Session 8 | Guided Instruction - Sorting Out My Career Options

Unit 2 - Session 9 | Self-Directed Learning -Sorting Out My Career Options

Unit 2 - Session 10 | Guided Instruction - Trends Issues and Innovation

Unit 2 - Session 11 | Self-Directed Learning - Trends Issues and Innovation

Unit 2 - Session 12 | Introduction - Making It My Choice

Unit 2 - Sessions 13 & 14 | Self-Directed Learning - Workplace Now and In the Future

Unit 2 - Sessions 15 & 16 | Introduction - Milestone Project

Unit 2 - Sessions 17 & 18 | Milestone Project - Showcase

Unit 2 - Session 19 |  Optional Unit Exam

Unit 2 - Session 19 | Optional Exam Answer Key

Student Activity Sheets 

Unit 2 - All Sessions 1-18 | Student Activity Sheets

Power Points

Unit 2 - Session 1 | 2.1 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 2 | 2.2 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 3 | 2.3 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 4 | 2.4 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 5 | 2.5 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 6 & 7 | 2.6&7 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 8 | 2.8 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 9 | 2.9 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 10 | 2.10 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 11 | 2.11 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 12 | 2.12 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 13 & 14 | 2.13&14 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 15 & 16 | 2.15&16 ppt

Unit 2 - Session 17 & 18 | 2.17&18 ppt

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Engage Unit 3

 

 

 

 

Unit 3

 

 

 

 

Unit 3 — Overview: The Journey To Being Career-Ready!
Unit 3 | 
OVERVIEW Unit 3
Navigating the Course - Where are we in the course?

Summary of OVERVIEW: In this unit, students will explore what it really means to be career ready. They will consider the role their individual strengths, talents, education, experiences, and interests play in planning for the future and making purposeful choices. Students will complete a Career-Readiness Plan, including the selection of specific courses to help them become career-ready.

OUTCOMES:  Students will create a career readiness-plan that will guide them to becoming career-ready. Students may create a PowerPoint presentation, Prezi presentation, iMovie, or written report. After taking both skills and interest assessments on Nebraska Career Connections, students will select a specific career. Students will explain how their skills and talents are used in the career, education and training requirements and identify activities and work experiences, which will help them become career-ready. Students will also complete a Personal Learning Plan, listing specific courses and extended learning opportunities the student should complete before graduation.

Essential Question 1: What does it mean to be career-ready?

Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?

Essential Question 3: How will my choices today affect my future?

Project Based Learning Type of Session & NameKey Events Unit 3

SESSION 1
Unit Introduction:
The Journey To Becoming
Career-Ready!

  • Introduce the Essential Questions for Unit 3.
  • Complete a personal growth challenge.
  • Define “career readiness.”

SESSION 2
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-1: My Career Options: Six Career Fields

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What does it mean to be career-ready?
  • Review Nebraska Career Readiness Standards.
  • Explore being career-ready.         

SESSION 3
Self-Directed Learning:
Topic 3-1: Importance of
Being Career-Ready

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 1: What does it mean to be career-ready?
  • Create role-plays showcasing the Nebraska Career Readiness Standards.
  • Complete the Nebraska Career Connections skills assessment.

SESSION 4
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-1: Importance of
Being Career-Ready

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 1: What does it mean to be career-ready?
  • Create a personal timeline.
  • Identify experiences and education that will be used in the future.

SESSION 5
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-2: Living a Fulfilling Life

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?
  • Discuss the three concepts.
  • Read and discuss, “Brad’s Story.”

SESSION 6
Self-Directed Learning:
Topic 3-2: Living a Fulfilling Life

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?
  • Create a forward-looking timeline.
  • Complete the Nebraska Career Connections interest assessment.
SESSION 7
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-2: Choosing the Right Career
  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?
  • Explore the decision-making process.
  • Select one career for the Unit 3 Milestone Project.

SESSION 8
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-2: Choosing the Right Career

  • Guided inquiry into Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?
  • Identity potential road blocks.
  • Explore jobs versus careers.

            SESSION 9               Self-Directed Learning: Topic 3-2: It is Okay to Change My Mind

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 2: What is the right career path for me?
  • Interview a professional about the path to their career.
  • Identify other occupations that use a similar skills to this career.

SESSION 10
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-3: Today's Choices Matter

  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 3: How will my choices today affect my future??
  • Defne "relevance".
  • Brainstorm relevant activities, experiences and courses.
SESSION 11
Self-Directed Learning:
Topic 3-3: Today's Choices Matter
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 3: How will my choices today effect my future?
  • Complete a team challenge.
  • Identify relevant activities, experiences and courses.
SESSION 12
Guided Instruction:
Topic 3-3: Personal Learning Plan
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 3: How will my choices today effect my future?
  • Explore Personal Learning Plans.
  • Complete a Personal Learning Plan.
SESSION 13
Self-Directed Learning:
Topic 3-3: Personal Learning Plan
  • Self-directed inquiry into Essential Question 3: How will my choices today effect my future?
  • View video "College Doesn't Just Happen".
  • Create a collage of opportunities after graduation.
SESSION 14 & 15
Milestone Project:
Construction & Feedback
  • Refine/complete Unit 3 Mileston Project
  • Self-evaluate Milestone Project Rubric Unit 3.
  • Meet with teacher for feedback on Milestone Project.
SESSION 16 & 17
Milestone Project:
Showcase
  • Showcase completed Unit 3 Milestone Project.
  • Complete final evaluation of the Unit 3 Milestone Project.

SESSION 18
Optional:  End-of-Unit 3 Exam

  • Complete the End-of-Unit 3 Exam and course evaluation.

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Unit 3 Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans

Unit 3 - Session 1 | Introduction - The Journey to Career Readiness

Unit 3 - Session 2 | Guided Instruction - Importance of Being Career Ready

Unit 3 - Session 3 | Self-Directed Learning - Importance of Being Career Ready

Unit 3 - Session 4 | Guided Instruction - Importance of Being Career Ready

Unit 3 - Session 5 | Guided Instruction - Living a Fulfilling Life

Unit 3 - Session 6 | Self-Directed Learning - Living a Fulfilling Life

Unit 3 - Session 7 | Guided Instruction - Choosing the Right Career

Unit 3 - Session 8 | Guided Instruction - Choosing the Right Career

Unit 3 - Session 9 | Self-Directed Learning - It's OK to Change My Mind

Unit 3 - Session 10 | Guided Instruction - Today's Choices Matter

Unit 3 - Session 11 | Self-Directed Learning -Today's Choices Matter

Unit 3 - Session 12 | Guided Instruction - Personal Learning Plan

Unit 3 - Sessions 13 | Self-Directed Learning - Personal Learning Plan

Unit 3 - Session 14 & 15 | Milestone Project - Construction and Feedback

Unit 3 - Sessions 16 & 17 | Milestone Project - Showcase

Unit 3 - Session 18 |  Optional Unit Exam

Unit 3 - Session 18 | Optional Exam Answer Key

 

Student Activity Sheets 

Unit 3 - All Sessions 1-17 | Student Activity Sheets


Power Points

Unit 3- Session 1 | 3.1 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 2 | 3.2 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 3 | 3.3 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 4 | 3.4 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 5 | 3.5 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 6  | 3.6 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 7 | 3.7 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 8 | 3.8 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 9 | 3.9 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 10 | 3.10 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 11 | 3.11 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 12 | 3.12 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 13 | 3.13 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 14 & 15 | 3.14&15 ppt

Unit 3 - Session 16 & 17 | 3.16&17 ppt

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Engage Unit 4

 

 

Unit 4

 

 

 

 

Unit 4 — Overview: Putting Together the Pieces!
Unit 4 | 
OVERVIEW Unit 4
Navigating the Course - Where are we in the course?

Summary of OVERVIEW: The purpose of this unit is to connect students with opportunities to continue exploring careers. There are four experiences planned for the students in this unit:

1) Introduction to other career exploration opportunities in the school and community
2) Completion of a career-exploration-oriented team project
3) Construction of an individual career exploration portfolio
4) Completion of an End-of-Course Exam

The materials provided for this unit are different from the other three. Our experience tells us that career portfolios and additional opportunities to explore careers vary greatly from district to district. All Nebraska schools have access to Nebraska Career Connections, an online career exploration and portfolio system. Some districts have subscriptions to other, similar programs. Plan to use either Nebraska Career Connections’ resources or one of the others and enhance them with the material provided.  Finally, the resources and opportunities you offer students to continue exploring and planning for careers are unique to your local setting. For these reasons, we chose to provide session guides rather than detailed session plans for this particular unit. Like the other units, we still provide all the materials you will need to be successful!

OUTCOMES: At the end of the unit, students will have:  an awareness of other elements of the career exploration system within the local school and community; experience of completing a tema project that emphasizes career exploration and Nebraska Career Readiness Standards and skill development; and have a completed career exploration protfolio.

Essential Question 1: What resources do I have to support my career development?

Essential Question 2: How do I demonstrate career readiness skills?

Project Based Learning Type of Session & NameKey Events Unit 4

SESSIONS 1 - 5
Career Exploration
Opportunities Guide

  • Introduce students to the career exploration opportunities and resources in your district.
  • Engage students in reflecting on Essential Question 1: What resources do I have to support my career development?
  • Students revise their Career Readiness Plan to include other community and school resources for career exploration.

SESSIONS 6 - 15
Team Project Guide

  • Use the Team Project Guide to complete the careerexploration-oriented experience with students.
  • Engage students in reflecting on Essential Question 2: How do I demonstrate career readiness skills?
  • Students create a team project, a journal and presentation as artifacts.

SESSIONS 16 - 22
Individual Project Guide

  • Use the Individual Project Guide to complete the career portfolio experience with students.
  • Engage students in reflecting on Essential Question 2: How do I demonstrate career readiness skills?
  • Students create an individual career exploration portfolio as an artifact.

SESSION 23

Optional: End-of-Course Exam

  • Complete the End-of-Course Exam.

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Unit 4 Teacher Resources

Lesson Plans

Unit 4- Sessions 1 - 5 | Career Opportunities Guide

Unit 4 - Sessions 6 - 15 | Team Project Guide

Unit 4 - Sessions 16 - 22 | Individual Project Guide

Unit 4 - Session 23 | Optional End of Course Exam

Unit 4 - Session 23 | Optional End of Course Exam Answer Key

Unit 4 - Extended Learning Ideas

Student Activity Sheets 

Unit 4 - All Sessions 1-22 | Student Activity Sheets

Power Points

Unit 4- Sessions 1 - 5 | 4.1-5 ppt

Unit 4 - Sessions 6 - 15 | 4.6-5 ppt

Unit 4- Sessions 16 - 22 | 4.16-22 ppt

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